FBI: One Escapee from New Jersey ICE Facility Still Unaccounted For

Federal officials have confirmed that only one individual from a group of four detainees who fled a New Jersey immigration detention center last week is still missing.

According to the FBI's Newark field division, a reward offer has now increased to $25,000 for anyone who provides information that leads to the capture of Andres Felipe Pineda Mogollon. This Colombian national vanished from Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark nearly a week ago.

Background on the Escapee

Mogollon, aged 25, is charged with escaping lawful confinement. A federal warrant has been issued to facilitate his arrest. Authorities note he remained in the United States after his tourist visa expired, a violation identified by the Department of Homeland Security.

Previously, Mogollon faced arrest in New York City in April, accused of petty theft, and in New Jersey in May, charged with residential burglary, planning said burglary, and possessing related implements.

Details on the Collective Escape

Mogollon was among four detainees who managed to escape from Delaney Hall on a Thursday. They are considered by DHS as threats to public safety.

As of Sunday, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez and Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada were in custody, while Mogollon and Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes had yet to be found. The latest reports now confirm Bautista-Reyes is no longer at large.

Details of the Escape Plot

At a Friday press event, Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey disclosed that the escapees broke through what he referred to as ‘a drywall with mesh interior.’ This breach allowed them access to an outside wall and parking area. The senator received a briefing from the facility's leadership and ICE.

Kim mentioned that the escape was shortly after disruptions related to food availability at the facility, run privately but under contract with ICE.

However, a follow-up by the Department of Homeland Security contradicted reports, stating there was no significant unrest at Delaney Hall.