On Thursday evening, four migrants fled from the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, amid what seemed to be a disruption within the facility, as a senior Homeland Security official revealed to Fox News.

“Additional law enforcement partners have been brought in to find these escapees and a BOLO has been disseminated,” the official said. 

According to immigration lawyer Mustafa Cetin, who spoke to NJ.com, about 50 detainees at the private center became restless due to delayed meals and knocked down a dormitory wall. 

“It’s about the food, and some of the detainees were getting aggressive and it turned violent,” Cetin said. 

He further mentioned that his client noted the wall’s fragility and observed detainees using bedsheets, possibly in an escape effort. Additionally, the client reported smelling gas during the commotion.

Protesters gather outside the Delaney Hall Detention Facility during protests over federal immigration enforcement raids on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

Amanda, only one name available, shouts slogans as her husband is held inside the Delaney Hall Detention Facility during protests over federal immigration enforcement raids on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Newark, N.J.  (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

Protesters attempt to block a vehicle from leaving the Delaney Hall Detention Facility during protests over federal immigration enforcement raids on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

The incident comes just two days after Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was indicted on three federal charges stemming from a previous visit to Delaney Hall on May 9. 

McIver was with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and others during what was described as an oversight visit. Baraka was initially charged with trespassing, but the charge was later dropped.

Anyone with information about the escaped migrants is encouraged to call 911 or the ICE Tip Line, 866-DHS-2-ICE .