Newark Mayor Arrested During Immigration Detention Center Visit
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Newark’s Democratic Mayor, Ras Baraka, was taken into custody at a detention center in New Jersey. This incident occurred shortly after a group of Democratic lawmakers arrived for a “surveillance” visit, prompted by calls from progressive members.
According to a spokesperson, federal agents apprehended Baraka outside Delaney Hall, a facility managed by the Geo Group, which operates civil prisons in Newark.
Alina Haba, the U.S. attorney’s representative, remarked that Baraka had trespassed and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security while attempting to remove himself from the facility.
Baraka had recently criticized the detention center, alleging that it was reopened “illegally” and without necessary permits, which he claims violates local regulations. He expressed intentions to continue protesting the facility’s operations and has begun legal proceedings against its operator.
Witnesses indicated that arrests transpired after Baraka sought to tour the center with three members of the New Jersey Legislature.
Federal officials reportedly barred Baraka’s entry, leading to further unrest. Vili Martinez, a far-left activist, described the chaos, stating that officers swarmed Baraka and forcibly detained him.
“There were screams,” said Martinez. “Officers handcuffed Baraka and placed him in an unmarked vehicle.”
The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the lawmakers did not formally request to tour the facility, contradicting witness accounts. They also stated that as detainee transport buses approached, a group of protesters, including two Congressional members, attempted to breach the facility.
A spokesperson for Representative Watson Coleman indicated that lawmakers arrived unannounced for conduct inspections rather than a scheduled tour.
“Members of Congress must adhere to the law, and if they had requested tours, such arrangements would have been made,” stated Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security.
