Federal agents have recaptured two of the four illegal immigrants who escaped from a Newark ICE detention facility, but two remain at large—and both are considered dangerous.
Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez of Honduras and Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada of Colombia were both apprehended over the weekend. Sandoval-Lopez had a rap sheet including aggravated assault and illegal firearms possession. Castaneda-Lozada faced charges for burglary, theft, and conspiracy.
The breakout, which occurred during a coordinated disturbance involving dozens of detainees, exposed major security lapses inside the Delaney Hall facility. Detainees reportedly breached two interior walls to make their escape, raising serious questions about oversight at the privately operated center.
Still on the loose:
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Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes (Honduras): Wanted for aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and weapons violations.
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Andres Felipe Pineda-Mogollon (Colombia): Wanted for burglary, conspiracy, and larceny.
Both fugitives are classified as threats to public safety. The FBI and DHS are working with local law enforcement across New Jersey and the surrounding region. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to their capture.
While federal authorities downplayed rumors of a full-blown riot, sources inside the facility say conditions were tense and chaotic prior to the escape.
The situation has reignited debate over immigration enforcement, detention facility standards, and the consequences of releasing violent offenders into poorly secured environments. As the manhunt continues, public safety officials are urging residents to remain alert.