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NEWARK, New Jersey, 2025-06-16
Federal authorities are still searching for two detainees who vanished from an immigration detention center in New Jersey last week, offering rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to their arrest.
Four individuals initially escaped Newark’s Delaney Hall facility on Thursday. Two have since been apprehended, leaving officials on the hunt for the remaining escapees.
- Two detainees remain at large after escaping Delaney hall.
- Authorities are offering rewards for information leading to their capture.
- The escapees are considered public safety threats.
The escape of the four detainees from the Delaney Hall facility on Thursday has prompted a widespread search, with federal agents and local authorities working to find the remaining individuals. The two still at large are Franklin Norberto Bautisa-Reyes and andrew Felipe Pinea Mogollon, both considered threats to public safety by federal authorities.
Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes (Crédito: DHS) Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes (Credit: DHS)
franklin Norberto Bautisa-Reyes, originally from Honduras, allegedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2021 and has a history of local aggravated assault and weapons charges, with tattoos on his right arm and cheek. His last known address was in Long Branch,New Jersey.
Andres Pineda-Mogollon, a Colombian national, overstayed his tourist visa and entered the U.S.in 2023. He was previously arrested on local petty larceny and residential burglary charges. His last known address was in Newark, New jersey, and he has ties to Queens, New york.
Andrés Pineda-Mogollon (Credit: DHS) Andres Pineda-Mogollon (Credit: DHS)
Delaney Hall’s Controversial Construction
The escape happened when the inmates kicked through a wall at Delaney Hall. Newark mayor Ras baraka stated the operator lacked the necessary permit for the wall’s construction.
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim described the wall’s construction as “essentially just dry all with some mesh inside that led to an exterior wall. It shows just how shoddy how construction was here.” the escapees later made their way to a parking lot and climbed over a fence. Authorities are now examining other perhaps vulnerable walls.
Local and state authorities are actively assisting with the investigation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a “be on the lookout” alert and is encouraging the public to contact 911 or the ICE Tip line with any information that might help locate the escapees.
What is Delaney Hall?
Delaney Hall,a 1,000-bed,privately-owned facility,gained attention in May when protests erupted at the site.
U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with two assault counts stemming from a May 9 visit to the center and was indicted on Tuesday. In the same period, Mayor Baraka was arrested on a trespassing charge, which was later dropped. Baraka then filed a lawsuit against acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, alleging malicious prosecution.
On Friday, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker joined local officials in condemning conditions within Delaney Hall, calling it a “house of horrors.” Sen. Kim confirmed reports that detainees are receiving insufficient meals and facing overcrowding. One woman shared that her husband, whom she believes is detained at the facility, has lost over 20 pounds in the last month.
“He said it hurts to lay in the beds they gave him because he’s so skinny now, they’re not feeding them,” said Rosalinda Ortega, whose husband Miguel was detained. “Yesterday I called, they said stop calling and be patient. How can I be patient when they have him and are mistreating him?”
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The investigation into the Delaney Hall escape is probing what led to the security failure. Officials are reviewing the facility’s infrastructure to understand how the detainees were able to breach the walls. This is the latest in a string of controversies surrounding the privately-owned detention center.
What specific vulnerabilities have been identified at Delaney Hall? Officials have not released the full details publicly,but the apparent ease with which the detainees escaped points to structural weaknesses. Initial reports suggest the wall construction was substandard, consisting of drywall and mesh rather than more robust materials.
The situation has brought renewed scrutiny to contract detention facilities. These facilities are frequently enough run by private companies under contract with government agencies, such as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Critics argue that prioritizing profit over detainee welfare can lead to insufficient security measures and inadequate living conditions.
The controversy surrounding Delaney Hall has intensified calls for greater oversight of such facilities. Representatives like U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, who was charged with assault during a visit, have been vocal about the poor conditions. The reports of insufficient meals and overcrowding, as detailed by Senator Cory Booker and detainee Rosalinda Ortega, further stoke concerns about the well-being of those held at Delaney Hall.
In light of the escape,a deeper look at the broader challenges these privately run detention centers face is warranted. The incident at Delaney Hall underscores the need for improved infrastructure, enhanced security protocols, and stricter adherence to safety standards. Moreover,enhanced oversight and regulations could help ensure the safety and well-being of both detainees and the surrounding community.
Potential Implications for Detainees
The escape has notable implications for the remaining detainees at Delaney Hall. Increased security measures, while intended to prevent future breaches, could lead to more restrictive conditions.The ongoing investigation and heightened scrutiny could also result in delays in processing cases and potential transfers.
Advocates for immigration reform are using this chance to call for reforms. They are demanding improvements in detention facilities, notably concerning the quality of construction. Their focus is on prioritizing the safety and human rights of all detainees. This includes ensuring access to adequate medical care, proper nutrition, and fair treatment in keeping with the law.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The search for the remaining escapees will continue, focusing on leads from the public and any forensic evidence gathered at the scene. Law enforcement officials are also looking closely at the possibility of insider assistance in helping facilitate the escape.
Together, the federal government, along with state and local agencies, will launch an investigation to assess facility security measures and the state of the construction. The findings would,with transparency,be released to the public to highlight the failures that led to the escape. The outcome of this investigation is expected to bring much-needed changes.
What types of penalties might the operators of Delaney Hall face? Penalties could include fines, revocation of licenses, or even contract termination, especially if the investigation finds the operator was negligent in providing safe conditions and security. The ongoing investigations and potential legal action will impact the future of Delaney Hall, and shape the way these facilities are operated.
FAQs About the Delaney Hall Escape
What is the role of the DHS in the Delaney Hall investigation?
The Department of homeland Security (DHS) is providing support in the search for the escapees. They have issued a “be on the lookout” alert across the country and are working with local and federal law enforcement to apprehend the escapees as quickly as possible.
How can the public help in this investigation?
The public can help by contacting 911 or the ICE Tip line. anyone with information about the escapees and their whereabouts or assisting them in escaping can provide critical tips to the authorities.The DHS encourages the public to share any information they have to help get these escapees and keep our communities safe.
Will there be changes to how these detention centers are built?
Yes, it is highly likely there will be changes to detention center construction consequently of this escape. Specifically, facilities may be required to adhere to higher standards in construction materials, implement improved security measures, and establish more frequent independent inspections.
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