Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday for trespassing at an ice detention facility, gaining attention as a progressive figure connected to some controversial celebrities. Now a leading Democratic candidate for governor of New Jersey, Baraka was detained by Homeland Security officials outside the Delaney Hall Ice Detention Center, described by DHS as engaging in “strange political stunts.”
The facility houses various offenders, including violent criminals and gang members. Baraka’s arrest was confirmed by New Jersey attorney Alina Haba who stated that he disregarded multiple warnings before attempting to enter the detention center.
“He violated the law and was detained as a consequence,” Haba noted, emphasizing that such actions won’t be excused in the state.
Baraka’s presence at the detention center is part of ongoing criticisms regarding alleged safety violations there. His campaign website outlines a commitment to fairness in budgeting, stating that every decision should either advance equity or exacerbate inequality. However, Baraka has faced backlash for his associations with figures like Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and anti-Semitic preacher Louis Farrakhan.
Back when he was first running for mayor in 2014, Baraka received endorsements from P. Diddy and celebrated the support publicly. He even met P. Diddy on multiple occasions, expressing gratitude for the backing.
He has also been linked to a video where he praised Farrakhan after a speech that criticized peaceful civil rights protests and labeled white individuals in derogatory terms. In this clip, which dates back to 2004, Baraka called Farrakhan a significant source of inspiration for him and other black leaders.
According to the local media, Baraka’s campaign confirmed his arrest and indicated he was taken to a Homeland Security office in Newark. Reports suggest involvement from various New Jersey Democrats who sought to access the facility amid protests.
Baraka has persistently opposed using Delaney Hall for what he described as the unlawful detention of individuals. His administration even initiated legal action against the facility earlier this year.
During a press conference, Baraka criticized the operations of the GEO Group, the private company managing the detention center, asserting that they were acting beyond legal boundaries.
Responses continue to pour in regarding Baraka’s arrest. New Jersey GOP candidate John Blumnick mentioned he wasn’t surprised given the ongoing debate about Delaney Hall’s operations. Conversely, Rep. Mikie Sherrill and other Democratic candidates condemned the arrest, calling it unjust.
Meanwhile, GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli dismissed Baraka’s actions as a “cheap promotional stunt,” pointing out the pressing issues in Newark like failing public schools and rising crime rates, rather than focusing on immigration at detention centers.
