FBI offers ,000 reward for information on fourth NJ ICE escapee possibly located in Queens.
The final individual involved in a recent escape from a New Jersey ICE detention facility remains at large, prompting authorities to intensify their search efforts. The FBI has indicated that Andres Felipe Pineda-Mogollon, a 25-year-old originally from Colombia, is believed to be hiding in Queens, New York City.
Pineda-Mogollon was one of four men who escaped from Newark’s Delaney Hall on June 12, 2025, amid reported unrest concerning the facility’s deplorable conditions. Within 72 hours of the breakout, two of the escapees were apprehended. A third individual was recaptured the following week, leaving Pineda-Mogollon as the sole escapee still evading capture. An extensive manhunt is underway, with the FBI offering a reward of ,000 for information leading to his arrest. Authorities informed the Newark Star-Ledger that they have received several tips suggesting Pineda-Mogollon is currently in Queens and emphasized that he has known ties to the area.
Pineda-Mogollon’s escape, while significant, is layered with complexities. Unlike many immigrants targeted during past deportation initiatives, this individual faced criminal charges before his scheduled detention and removal. He entered the United States illegally in 2023 and has a known criminal history, including a petty larceny charge in New York City in April 2025 and multiple charges in New Jersey in May 2025 for residential burglary and possession of burglary tools. These circumstances add gravity to the escape’s implications.
The other three escapees’ profiles also reveal troubling backgrounds. Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, a 22-year-old from Honduras, had prior arrests related to unlawful handgun possession and aggravated assault. Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, an 18-year-old Colombian, faced burglary and theft charges. Lastly, 20-year-old Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes, from Honduras, was charged with aggravated assault and making terroristic threats. Each of these individuals now additionally faces federal charges for escaping custody.
Authorities have reported that the quartet executed their escape by utilizing mattresses and bed sheets to navigate the facility’s security measures. They allegedly broke through an aluminum wall on the second floor and used the mattresses to cushion their descent as they exited the barred confines of the detention center.
As the search for Pineda-Mogollon continues, officials remain vigilant in their effort to uphold safety and security in the region. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding detention conditions and the legal complexities surrounding individuals within the immigration system, drawing attention to broader issues of immigration enforcement and community safety.
