Two of four illegal immigrants who escaped from a detention center in Newark, New Jersey, have been caught, the FBI announced on June 15, 2025.
Escape from Delaney Hall
On the evening of June 12, 2025, four men broke out of Delaney Hall, a privately run Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the escapees “public safety threats” due to their criminal records. The FBI confirmed on Sunday that two of the men, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez and Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, are now in custody. Two others, Franklin Norberto Bautista Reyes and Andres Felipe Pineda Mogollon, are still on the run. All four are from Honduras.
Who Are the Escapees?
The four men entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration (2021–2025) and have faced serious charges in the past:
- Franklin Norberto Bautista Reyes: Entered the U.S. in 2021. Arrested in May 2025 by Wayne Township Police for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and illegal weapon possession.
- Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez: Entered as a minor in 2019. Arrested in October 2024 for illegal handgun possession and in February 2025 for aggravated assault.
- Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada: Entered in 2022. Arrested in May 2025 for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Andres Felipe Pineda Mogollon: Entered in 2023 and overstayed a tourist visa. Arrested in April 2025 for larceny and in May 2025 for residential burglary and related charges.
What Caused the Escape?
According to immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin, the escape followed unrest at Delaney Hall. Around 50 detainees became upset over delayed meals, leading to chaos. “It started with complaints about food, but it got out of hand and turned violent,” Cetin told NJ.com. During the disturbance, some detainees pushed down a dormitory wall, allowing the four men to escape.
On the same evening, a group of protesters outside the facility blocked an SUV from leaving through a side gate, forcing it back inside. This added to the confusion during the breakout.
DHS Response and Facility Conditions
The DHS denied claims of widespread unrest at Delaney Hall. In a statement, they said the facility provides high-quality services, including:
- 24/7 medical care
- Legal and family visitation (in-person and virtual)
- Access to libraries and translation services
- Dietician-approved meals, including religious and specialty diets
- Recreational activities and religious practice opportunities
DHS emphasized that Delaney Hall remains committed to detainee welfare despite the incident.
Ongoing Search and Reward
The FBI and DHS are actively searching for Bautista Reyes and Pineda Mogollon, who remain at large. The DHS is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrests. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact local law enforcement or the FBI.
Public Safety Concerns
The escape has raised concerns about security at privately run detention centers. The fact that all four escapees had prior arrests for serious crimes, including assault, burglary, and weapons charges, has alarmed local communities. Newark residents are calling for stronger oversight of such facilities to prevent future escapes.
What’s Next?
As President Donald Trump begins his second term in 2025, immigration policy remains a hot topic. The escape from Delaney Hall may push the administration to review ICE facility standards and border security measures. The search for the remaining two escapees continues, with law enforcement on high alert.
The FBI and DHS are asking the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings of Bautista Reyes or Pineda Mogollon. This incident highlights the challenges of managing immigration detention while ensuring public safety.