The U.S. Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS) officially announced that it has successfully recaptured two of the four undocumented immigrants with criminal records who escaped from the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, on June 12, 2025.
The individuals involved have been classified as “dangerous” due to the seriousness of the crimes for which they were originally arrested. Two of them remain at large, which has triggered an intense search by federal and local agencies.
Dispelling rumors: no riots inside Delaney Hall
In response to media reports of possible internal disturbances or riots, DHS clarified that there have been no reports of widespread disturbances inside Delaney Hall following the escape.
This facility, managed by a private entity under federal contract, maintains, according to authorities, a commitment to providing adequate services to detainees.
This includes 24/7 medical care, in-person and virtual family and legal visits, access to libraries, religious services, special meals for reasons of health or beliefs, recreational activities and language translation.
Capture of two of the evaders
On June 13, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, a Honduran national, was located and arrested in Passaic, New Jersey, by ICE agents, the FBI and local police.
According to the official report, during the operation Sandoval-Lopez put up violent physical resistance, including kicks and death threats against the officers.
His criminal history includes charges of illegal possession of a firearm and aggravated assault.
That same day, Joan Sebastian Castañeda-Lozada, originally from Colombia, attempted to voluntarily turn himself in at the New Jersey State Police station in Bridgeton.
However, due to “sanctuary city” policies that limit local authorities’ cooperation with ICE, his surrender was refused.
Finally, on June 15, he surrendered directly to federal agents in Milleville, New Jersey.
Call for citizen collaboration and reward
At a press conference, a senior DHS official expressed concern over the refusal to cooperate in the Castañeda-Lozada case and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to public safety:
“Fortunately, this illegal immigrant has now been apprehended and no longer poses a threat to Americans,” he said.
The federal agency reiterated its call to the public to collaborate in the search for the two remaining individuals and reminded that a $10,000 reward is still in effect for anyone who provides information leading to their whereabouts. Tips can be reported to 911 or to the ICE hotline (866-DHS-2-ICE).
La fuga en Delaney Hall ha encendido las alarmas en los sistemas de detención migratoria en EEUU
Who are the two remaining fugitives?
Buzzy
Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes: Honduran citizen who entered the United States illegally in 2021. On May 3, 2025, he was arrested in Wayne Township, New Jersey, for aggravated assault, intent to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
Andres Pineda-Mogollon: a native of Colombia, entered on a tourist visa in 2023 but did not leave when his authorized period expired. On April 25, 2025, he was arrested in New York for petty theft, and subsequently, on May 21, police in Union, New Jersey, arrested him for residential burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and possession of burglary tools.
While two of the four fugitives have been recaptured, the whereabouts of the other two remain uncertain. DHS and the FBI continue to mobilize resources and actively appeal to the public to ensure the prompt location and apprehension of these individuals who are considered a direct threat to public safety.
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