On Saturday, approximately 100 protesters gathered in lower Manhattan to rally against the recent arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at an immigration facility. The crowd assembled at Foley Square, chanting slogans like “no ice, no dogs, no national fear” and “Icestapo has to go!” At least one demonstrator seemed to mimic supporters of former President Trump, who had previously been seen with a dog, portraying a rebellious image.
Various elected officials, including Congressman Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral candidate, and socialist New York public advocate Jumane Williams, addressed the crowd.
This protest took place less than a day after Baraka was released from custody, greeted by cheers from many supporters. Mamdani attempted to draw parallels between his political foes and the former president, suggesting that the law for them is merely a guideline.
“For the Trump administration, much like Mayor Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, the law is just a proposal,” Mamdani expressed to those present. “We stand up against those who benefit from such laws every day, as the Trump administration seeks permission to reclaim those rights.”
Meanwhile, Williams also criticized the current administration, lamenting, “This administration is embarrassing.”
The demonstration coincided with Baraka’s recent arrest and later release from the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Centre. The Newark mayor expressed hopes for the closure of the ice facility, asserting, “We know it’s right. What we’re asking for is justified,” during a speech to his supporters Friday night.
