Newark’s Democratic Mayor, Ras Baraka, was arrested on Friday while visiting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center with members of Congress, according to interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Baraka, a candidate in the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Jersey, was charged with trespassing after allegedly ignoring warnings to leave the facility. The incident occurred outside the ICE detention center in Newark, where Baraka was confronted by ICE agents. He appeared before a judge and was released without bond. The mayor’s campaign confirmed the arrest and stated they are monitoring the situation. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policy and described the encounter with ICE as chaotic and aggressive. Baraka, along with other members of the congressional delegation, had gone to the facility for oversight, but Baraka was asked to leave while the others were allowed to stay on the property.
“In a statement on Friday, Watson Coleman emphasized the importance of congressional oversight, stating, ‘As congressional members, we have the authority to see for ourselves.’ McIver echoed this sentiment, asserting, ‘That’s what we’re here to do.’
During a phone interview on Fox News, Habba claimed that Baraka had repeatedly been warned of potential arrest while inside the facility but had refused to leave. Subsequently, he was arrested upon exiting the premises. Habba emphasized, ‘When you break the law, there’s no grandstanding that will help you.’
The three Democratic members of Congress, who were present at the scene, described the moment of Baraka’s arrest outside the detention facility. Watson Coleman expressed confusion over the circumstances, stating, ‘They just snatched him and took him, and we tried to get them to answer, why are you locking him up?’ Menendez highlighted the intimidating presence of over 20 armed ICE officers during the incident, stating, ‘It was clearly intended to intimidate not just the mayor, but the three of us and everyone watching today.’
In response to the allegations made by the city of Newark regarding safety protocols at Delaney Hall, the Department of Homeland Security defended the facility’s operations, stating that it holds immigrants who have committed violent crimes and lack legal status.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy criticized Baraka’s arrest, calling for his immediate release. Additionally, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin raised concerns about the safety risks posed by the elected officials’ visit to the facility, stating that it went ‘beyond a bizarre political stunt.’
Watson Coleman disputed the DHS’s characterization of their visit, clarifying that they were exercising their legal oversight function. Senator Cory Booker expressed his dismay over the incident, labeling it ‘disturbing, unnecessary, and indicative of tactics that are undermining safety and security.'”
The New Jersey Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin, stated that the arrest of Mayor Baraka in Newark is concerning, emphasizing that arresting public officials for peacefully protesting goes against the fundamental principles of democracy. He asserted that individuals peacefully exercising their right to free speech and assembly should not be targeted for opposing government policies. Furthermore, Platkin clarified that to his knowledge, no state or local officers were involved in the arrest. He affirmed his office’s commitment to defending the state law against private immigration detention centers and highlighted their recent defense of the law in a federal appeals court. In contrast, New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Bob Hugin criticized Mayor Baraka, labeling his actions as a “stunt” and accusing him of prioritizing political theater over public safety and the rule of law. Hugin condemned Mayor Baraka’s arrest at an ICE facility, characterizing it as unprofessional, reckless, and dangerous, particularly noting that as a mayoral candidate, such behavior reflects poorly on his leadership potential.
