Newark Mayor Arrested at Immigration Detention Facility
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing Friday during a chaotic confrontation at a federal immigration detention center that also involved three members of Congress. The Democratic mayor, who is currently running for governor, was taken into custody outside Delaney Hall after officials claimed he ignored multiple warnings to leave the premises.
Baraka was released hours later following an initial court appearance and now faces a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison and a $500 fine, according to CBS New York.
Dispute Over Facility Access Escalates
The arrest occurred during an attempt by Baraka and Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver to inspect the newly reopened detention facility. The three Democratic members of Congress were eventually allowed entry to conduct oversight, while Baraka was denied access and subsequently arrested outside the gate.
Alina Habba, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, stated that Baraka “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations” to leave the property. However, video evidence and eyewitness accounts suggest he was standing in a public area when arrested.
Competing Narratives Emerge
Department of Homeland Security officials characterized the incident as lawmakers and protesters “storming” the facility. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed the group broke into the detention center as a bus of detainees was entering, creating a security risk.
“Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities,” McLaughlin stated in a press release, as reported by DHS.
Congressional Representatives Dispute Claims
The lawmakers strongly contested the government’s characterization of events. Watson Coleman described being physically accosted by ICE agents and called the DHS statement “factually inaccurate.” The three members of Congress reported that they were exercising their legal oversight authority but faced resistance from federal officials.
“When they arrested the mayor, he was in the public domain. He was not on their property,” Watson Coleman told reporters, according to The Washington Post.
Facility at Center of Legal Dispute
The 1,000-bed Delaney Hall facility, operated by private prison company GEO Group, began housing immigrant detainees this month despite opposition from local officials. Baraka has been a vocal critic, arguing the facility lacks proper permits and inspections required by Newark city ordinances.
Newark previously filed a lawsuit to block the facility’s operation, claiming it lacks a valid certificate of occupancy. Federal officials maintain all permits and inspections are in order, including those for plumbing, electricity, and fire safety codes.
Political Implications Mount
The incident has quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressing outrage at Baraka’s arrest. Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the actions of federal officials and demanded Baraka’s charges be dropped.
Baraka, addressing supporters after his release, maintained his innocence: “I didn’t do anything wrong,” he stated, while pledging to continue standing up for immigrant communities and enforcing local regulations.
