Newark Mayor Ras Baraka described his arrest near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility earlier today, suggesting he was singled out after visiting the New Jersey Detention Center with three congressional Democrats.
“I was there for over an hour without anything happening. Then they finally told me to leave, and as I was leaving, they came out and arrested me,” Baraka recounted during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Briefing” Friday night. “It felt like I was targeted.”
He asserted that ICE officials directed their attention specifically to him. “I wasn’t the only one there. They approached me directly… so, yeah, it seems I was singled out.”
Baraka, who is running for governor in New Jersey, has made numerous statements after being released from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office.
Alina Haba, a local attorney, defended the actions of the administration, arguing that the mayor “trespassed and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security.”
She remarked, “He was ignoring the law. It’s not acceptable in this state. He was detained.”
Baraka clarified that his intention was not to justify his presence for protest but to attend a press conference with New Jersey legislators, including Bonnie Watson Coleman (D), Rob Menendez (D), and Ramonica McQuiber (D). Coleman emphasized that their visit was meant for oversight rather than protest.
Law enforcement officials reportedly interacted back and forth with the lawmakers before arresting Baraka.
According to documents, DHS, along with Menendez and Watson Coleman, accused the group of “entering the facility unlawfully.”
“Members rushing into detention facilities engage in inappropriate political stunts, jeopardizing both law enforcement and the safety of detainees. Members of Congress are not above the law,” officials stated. “Had they requested tours, it could have been arranged.”
Watson Coleman accused DHS of misrepresenting the incident.
“This altercation, where an ICE agent pushed me, occurred after we entered the property,” she stated on social media. “We went into the facility to speak with the mayor, and then the ICE agent began pushing us.”
She insisted that their entry was legitimate, asserting they were escorted by security.
During his detainment, Baraka noted that DHS officials treated him with “respect and integrity,” although he described the experience as uncomfortable and humiliating.
The mayor has been vocal against President Trump’s immigration policies, criticizing the establishment of ICE facilities and alleging that proper permissions weren’t secured.
ICE has operated detention centers under a contract with Geo Group Inc. Baraka filed a lawsuit last month, claiming that the company failed to comply with city and state regulations regarding necessary inspections.
DHS refuted Baraka’s assertions. “Claims by Newark politicians regarding Delaney’s permissions are unfounded,” they stated, asserting that they have valid clearances and compliance with safety regulations.
The Trump administration has maintained that the facility houses dangerous undocumented migrants, including those affiliated with gangs.
