NEWARK, N.J. — Only in New Jersey. A criminal alien who escaped custody during a riot at an ICE detention facility in Newark was turned away by police when he was trying to turn himself in.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the state police refused to detain the wanted fugitive because of the state’s sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Two of four criminal illegal aliens who escaped the Delaney Hall Detention Facility last week have been apprehended, according to a statement released Monday by the Department of Homeland Security. Two others remain at large, and law enforcement agencies are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrests.
On June 13, 2025, Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia whose criminal record includes arrests for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted to turn himself in to local authorities at the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station. Due to their sanctuary policies, the State Police refused to take him into custody because they do not work with ICE. On June 15, Castaneda-Lozada surrendered himself to Agents from FBI and ICE in Milleville, NJ. -DHS
Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez of Honduras was arrested Friday by ICE, FBI, and Passaic Police in Passaic, N.J. Authorities said he violently resisted during the arrest, kicking and threatening to kill law enforcement officers. Sandoval-Lopez has prior convictions, including unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault.
Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada of Colombia turned himself in Saturday in Millville after initially being rejected by New Jersey State Police at the Bridgeton Station. Authorities said the department’s refusal was due to New Jersey’s sanctuary policies, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Castaneda-Lozada’s criminal record includes burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
“DHS has captured two of the detainees who escaped,” a senior DHS official said. “One violently resisted arrest and the other was turned away by local authorities due to sanctuary policies. Thankfully, both are no longer a threat to Americans.”
The two detainees escaped Delaney Hall on June 12. DHS emphasized that there has been no unrest at the facility and defended its operations, citing access to medical care, legal visitation, translation services, and religious accommodations. Delaney Hall is a privately operated detention center located in Newark.
Reward issued as manhunt continues
The search continues for the remaining two escaped detainees, whose names and criminal records have not yet been released. DHS and the FBI are urging the public to call 911 or the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE with any leads. Officials say the $10,000 reward will be granted for information that directly leads to their capture.
As of Tuesday, there have been no updates on their whereabouts. Law enforcement agencies have expanded their search across New Jersey and surrounding states.
DHS said ensuring public safety and recapturing the fugitives remain its top priorities in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
Two violent escapees remain at large after a breakout from a Newark detention facility, with law enforcement intensifying efforts and offering a cash reward for tips.