The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, where three Congress members were also present to conduct “surveillance visits.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a leading Democratic candidate for governor, was apprehended for trespassing, according to officials.
Authorities noted that Baraka, despite numerous warnings from Homeland Security Investigations, disregarded the rules and entered the New Jersey ICE detention center. This was documented in a statement by U.S. attorney Alina Haba.
A crowd, including various lawmakers, gathered outside the HSI Newark Field office where Baraka was being held on Friday evening. The assembly chanted, expressed their distress, pounded on the gates, and demanded Baraka’s release.
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Many politicians joined the growing calls for Baraka’s release.
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) criticized the arrest as “intrusive and unnecessary,” arguing that it undermines community safety efforts.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, expressed his anger over what he termed an “unjust arrest.” He highlighted that he had enacted a law banning private immigration detention facilities in the state four years ago. Recently, the state defended this law in a federal appeals court.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, also a Democrat, mentioned that Baraka has been an ally in advocating for community change.
Johnson commented, “His arrest serves as a prime example of how federal overreach disrupts constitutional processes.”
In response to the situation, New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Bob Hugin dismissed Baraka’s actions as a “stunt” and noted that he disregarded repeated official warnings.
Hugin remarked, “He’s not acting like a mayor; he’s campaigning for governor. This behavior reveals the kind of leader he would be.”
The White House criticized Democrats for allegedly supporting illegal immigrant criminals, with spokesperson Kush Desai stating, “Democrats are prioritizing illegal foreign welfare over American citizens and engaging in pointless political theatrics.”
Earlier in the day, New Jersey Democrats, including Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Lamonica McQuiver, entered the Delaney Hall detention facility, seeking to engage with Department of Homeland Security officials.
A DHS statement expressed that the pursuit of congressional members entering detention centers was not only unusual but posed risks to law enforcement and detainee safety. According to DHS, if these members had sought official tours, they could have had legitimate access.
The three lawmakers were part of a protest outside the facility, rushing through the gates as they opened to accommodate ICE transport buses, officials noted.
At a later press briefing, Coleman described the situation regarding ICE as “out of control.” McQuiver asserted that they had faced delays of over two hours to enter the facility and claimed to have been mistreated by ICE personnel.
McQuiver expressed concern, saying, “If they can treat Congress members this way, imagine how they treat both undocumented individuals and citizens daily.”
Menendez, whose father was a former Senator, claimed that ICE officials engaged in “blackmail” during the incident.
He stated, “We are aware of what ICE is doing in our community. The president’s claims that they pursue criminals are untrue.” Menendez noted that the incident showcased a blatant disregard for the law on the part of ICE officials.
Activists have recently urged access to the facility, alleging that the new management, Geo Group, has obstructed necessary inspections.
Coleman pointed out the facility’s opening was a violation of local regulations and did not receive permission from the city, emphasizing, “We’ve heard troubling reports about conditions in other ICE detention centers. We need to exercise our oversight authority.”
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The lack of transparency regarding the operations within the facility was criticized by McQuiver, who stated, “People deserve dignity and answers.”
The facility reportedly houses individuals with serious criminal histories, including violent offenders.
At a Monday press conference, Baraka expressed concern over the GEO Group’s approach, stating that they believe they can act outside the law and disregard the constitution in New Jersey and Newark.
The city of Newark had filed a lawsuit on April 1, alleging that the GEO Group failed to permit safety inspections and violated city construction codes.
The Department of Homeland Security refuted allegations made by Newark politicians, asserting, “We had valid permits and passed inspections for plumbing, and electrical systems met fire codes.”
