Key Facts
- Escapee
- Santiago Manuel Gasper, Guatemalan national
- Escape date and time
- July 31, 2026, just after 4 p.m.
- Facility
- ICE Facility in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
- Notification delay
- Sheriff's office notified at midnight, about 8 hours later
- Criminal history
- No prior criminal records
- Contact
- 337-363-2161 or 911
Background
On July 31, 2026, Santiago Manuel Gasper, a Guatemalan national held at the ICE Facility in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, escaped custody. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office was not informed until midnight, roughly eight hours after the escape occurred just after 4 p.m.
Sheriff Charles Guillory stated that had his department been notified immediately, it could have aided in capturing Gasper. As of the latest reports, Gasper remains at large, and authorities have not located him despite a sighting report.
Current Situation
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for Gasper. A report was filed shortly after the escape of a Hispanic man running through the village of Pine Prairie, but authorities have not found him.
Officials do not believe Gasper is dangerous, as he has no prior criminal record. However, they urge residents to contact the sheriff's office at 337-363-2161 or call 911 if they see him. They also advise against picking up hitchhikers and recommend securing vehicles and not leaving keys inside, as Gasper may seek transportation to leave the area.
Sheriff Guillory noted that locating Gasper may be difficult because he has no family in the area, meaning he could be anywhere.
| Event | Date/Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Escape | July 31, 2026, just after 4 p.m. | Gasper escaped from ICE Facility |
| Sighting report | Shortly after escape | Hispanic man seen running through Pine Prairie |
| Notification to Sheriff | Midnight | Sheriff's office notified of escape |
| Current status | As of report | Gasper still at large |
Impacts
The delayed notification has likely hindered the search, as law enforcement lost critical hours that could have been used to track Gasper's movements. The public in Evangeline Parish and surrounding areas may be affected by the advisory to avoid hitchhiking and secure vehicles.
Residents who encounter Gasper could face a direct safety consideration, though authorities assess him as not dangerous. The incident may also raise questions about communication protocols between federal facilities and local law enforcement.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Gasper remains in the area, the public's cooperation in reporting sightings could lead to his capture. However, if he has already left the region, the search may expand, and his whereabouts could remain unknown for an extended period.
Authorities may review the notification delay to prevent similar incidents, but such changes would depend on internal investigations. If Gasper is found, he could face additional charges for escape, though this remains speculative.
The situation could resolve quickly if a sighting is confirmed, or it could become a prolonged manhunt if he has fled to another state or country. Without further information, the timeline for his capture remains unclear.
Source: 1079ishot.com
