Four men escaped from an immigrant detention center in New Jersey early Thursday morning, and authorities are still trying to find them. The escape happened at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack around 1 a.m.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the men got out of a secure area where ICE keeps immigration detainees.
Local law enforcement and ICE officials quickly responded, and a large search operation is now underway.
All four men are in the U.S. illegally and were being held for immigration violations. ICE is not sharing their names yet for security reasons, but said they will provide updates once it is safe to do so.
Bergen County officials said they are fully cooperating with ICE to investigate how the escape happened and to find the missing detainees. Extra police have been deployed in the area, and surveillance footage is being reviewed.
This escape has raised concerns about security at the facility. ICE said it takes these matters seriously and will review its safety procedures.
The public is being asked to stay alert. Anyone who sees suspicious activity or thinks they may have spotted one of the escaped men should contact law enforcement immediately.
The search continues and more information is expected as the investigation moves forward.