Four migrants escaped a New Jersey ICE facility amid unrest; local GOP leaders blame Democratic officials for enabling chaos.

Escape at Delaney Hall Raises Oversight and Security Concerns

Four detainees escaped from the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday evening following a disturbance involving dozens of migrants, igniting political tensions over immigration enforcement and institutional oversight.

A senior Homeland Security official confirmed the breakout, which occurred after detainees reportedly became agitated when meals were delayed. Immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin said approximately 50 detainees pushed down a dormitory wall, describing the structure as “not very strong.” He added that his client reported detainees hanging bedsheets and smelling gas during the event, suggesting a coordinated escape effort.

Shortly afterward, protesters outside the facility blocked an SUV from exiting a gate, forcing it to reverse back inside. The Department of Homeland Security later identified the escapees as public safety threats: Honduran nationals Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes and Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, and Colombian nationals Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada and Andres Pineda-Mogollon. Bautista-Reyes had prior arrests for aggravated assault and making terroristic threats.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement expressing concern over the incident. He cited alleged poor conditions at the privately operated facility, including the withholding of food, and called for increased transparency and access for city and congressional officials. “This situation lacks sufficient oversight of every basic detail,” Baraka said, adding, “Private prisons pose a very real problem to our state and its Constitution.”

Political Fallout Intensifies

The breakout came just days after Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was indicted on three federal charges related to a prior visit to Delaney Hall. Baraka had also been charged with trespassing during that May 9 oversight trip, though his charge was later dropped.

New Jersey GOP leader Kenny Gonzalez accused Baraka and other Democratic leaders of fostering unrest. “It all started when Baraka was arrested for trying to enter the facility,” Gonzalez said. He linked the escape to a broader pattern of what he called left-wing provocation, warning that “unhinged protesters interfered with ICE agents and blocked vehicles.”

Gonzalez criticized Baraka for blaming federal and state officials. “That’s a very dangerous statement and shows a lack of accountability,” he said. He added that similar unrest in Los Angeles had inspired actions in New Jersey, and cautioned that further protests could escalate.

With demonstrations expected over the weekend, Gonzalez warned that Delaney Hall may remain a flashpoint. “We just pray it doesn’t get to the point where President Trump has to do what he did in LA by mobilizing the National Guard,” he said, calling on state leaders to let law enforcement take control.

Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, underscored the administration’s stance. “The Trump Administration is committed to doing everything possible to Make America Safe Again,” she said, noting that additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed to locate the escapees.

As of Friday, Baraka’s office had not responded to requests for further comment.