The Democratic mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who is currently running for governor of the state, was arrested on Friday after refusing to exit a federal immigration detention center, according to a statement from the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba. The mayor, Ras Baraka, was accused of trespassing and disregarding multiple warnings to leave the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark.
A spokesperson for Baraka did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and it remains unclear if he will face charges related to the incident. Baraka has been the mayor of Newark since 2014, with successful reelections in 2018 and 2022. Prior to serving as mayor, he was a member of the Municipal Council of Newark from 2005 to 2014.
Baraka, who is known for his progressive stance, is one of six Democratic candidates in this year’s gubernatorial primary. He has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and his administration, particularly in response to ICE activities in Newark.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Contributing reporting by Ricardo Kaulessar and Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY; Reuters
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @fern_cerv_.
