Four ICE detainees have escaped from a New Jersey facility, triggering a massive law enforcement response and putting the community on high alert.
At a Glance
- Four detainees escaped from Delaney Hall Detention Facility following a violent uprising.
- One escapee, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, was captured in Passaic by FBI and ICE agents.
- A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the capture of the remaining escapees.
- The facility is operated by GEO Group, criticized for refusing city inspections due to lack of permits.
Details of the Escape
On June 12, approximately 50 detainees at Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark incited a revolt, which led to the escape of four individuals after breaching a dormitory wall. In response, law enforcement descended heavily on the area, pursuing the escapees. By Saturday morning, one detainee, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, was captured after being found in Passaic by FBI and ICE agents.
Sandoval-Lopez had unlawfully entered the U.S. from Honduras in 2019. He has a criminal record with arrests for unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault. Despite the capture of Sandoval-Lopez, three detainees remain at large, prompting a significant law enforcement operation focusing on their apprehension.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Authorities are seeking help from the public, offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of the remaining fugitives. They emphasize the importance of vigilance and cooperation in ensuring public safety during this ongoing situation. Given the urgent circumstances, the involvement of the community could expedite the reconfinement of the escapees. Heavily armed officers were deployed to maintain order and enhance security measures at the center.
“Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez was captured in Passaic by FBI and ICE agents, the sources said.” – sources report.
The escape occurred amidst Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s criticism of GEO Group, the private company operating Delaney Hall. The mayor has spotlighted the group’s failure to adhere to city laws by not applying for necessary permits, preventing city inspections crucial for facility credibility and safety assessment.
Corporate Accountability and Safety Concerns
Mayor Baraka has expressed concerns over the lack of permitting and inspections, emphasizing their necessity for maintaining the structural integrity of facilities such as Delaney Hall. The ongoing legal dispute with GEO Group accentuates the significance of compliance with city ordinances to ensure the safety of detainees and staff alike.
“As stated in our ongoing legal complaint, the City of Newark has never received permit applications from GEO Group to construct an interior wall” – Ras Baraka.
Amid persistent criticism, GEO Group faces growing pressure to comply with regulatory standards. This incident underscores a broader narrative concerning the management and operational practices of private detention facilities — a narrative that has reached both local and national levels of concern.
