The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, found himself in hot water on Friday when he was arrested at an ICE detention center. He, along with three members of Congress, had attempted to gain access to the facility.
Mayor Ras Baraka faced trespassing charges after authorities claimed he disregarded multiple warnings while trying to enter the center.
According to a U.S. attorney, Baraka’s actions were categorized as a breach of protocol at the New Jersey ICE detention facility.
New Jersey Democrats Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Lamonica McQuiver were trying to conduct surveillance inside the Delaney Hall detention facility. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted that they only made it past the initial checkpoint.
The situation has drawn criticism, with officials suggesting that the actions of these lawmakers were more than just political theatrics; they endangered law enforcement and detainees alike. A DHS statement remarked that lawmakers can’t unlawfully enter such facilities, hinting they would have welcomed proper tours.
As the lawmakers stood with protesters outside the facility, they reportedly dashed through the gates as ICE buses were entering.
During a press conference later, Coleman labeled ICE as being “out of control.” McQuiver added that they had to wait for more than two hours before being allowed in, claiming they faced aggression from ICE personnel.
“If they can treat members of Congress this way, imagine how they treat undocumented individuals and citizens alike,” McQuiver stressed to reporters.
Menendez, whose father is the former Senator Bob Menendez, accused ICE officials of committing “acts of blackmail.” He expressed frustration over what he perceives as the administration misleading the public about its operations.
Activists have voiced concerns about the facility’s new ownership, claiming that the Geo Group, its new operator, is obstructing necessary inspections.
Coleman had previously tweeted about the facility’s alleged violations, emphasizing the need for oversight and transparency.
An ongoing lawsuit from Newark asserts that the GEO Group did not obtain the required permissions to operate the facility properly.
Although local officials have raised alarms, DHS counters their claims, stating that all necessary permits and inspections were duly obtained.
In a broader context, the detention center reportedly houses a range of serious offenders. Mayor Baraka highlighted concerns regarding the facility’s operations and its adherence to law and constitutional principles.
