Rus Baraka, the Democratic mayor of Newark and a candidate for governor, was in federal court on Thursday following his arrest last week for trespassing at an ICE facility. After the hearing, he shared with reporters his belief that the arrest was targeted. “I was the only one arrested,” he stressed, almost as if trying to underline the uniqueness of his situation.
Baraka’s defense team contested the legality of his arrest and rejected a plea deal, arguing that the prosecution lacked adequate evidence. They were really pushing back, asserting that the government hadn’t made a strong case.
Looking toward a trial, the defense expressed hopes for a late July date, though the judge mentioned that setting a schedule would require thorough discovery, which might take some time. Both sides have submitted a court consideration schedule, but no subsequent court date has been established yet. The defense is asking for all evidence to be provided by May 19 and delivered by May 22, which both parties seem to have agreed upon.
The trespassing charge against Baraka is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.
Outside the courthouse, there were dozens of protesters gathered, voicing their support for Baraka and opposing his arrest during the protest at Delaney Hall, where there were only three people present. Members of the council indicated they were there to fulfill their legislative responsibilities related to federal detention facilities. “Newark has become the epicenter of ICE horrors and overreach,” said Vili Martinez, a member of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, rallying the crowd.
Baraka mentioned, after the hearing, that he felt humiliated by the treatment he received. “They did their best to degrade me,” he said, but still maintained that their actions were justified. “What we did is completely right. We didn’t break the law.”
Last week, Baraka, along with three councilors and a group of activists, was outside the ICE facility when a gate opened to allow an ICE bus through. Reports indicate that all four individuals passed through the gate, which security personnel had been monitoring.
This arrest followed several days of activists attempting to gain access to the facility, which has recently reopened as an immigration detention center.
An attorney present in court for Alina Haba commented on Baraka’s actions, saying that he ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security about leaving the facility. Protesters reportedly yelled “shame” as she entered the courtroom, highlighting the charged atmosphere.
House Republicans have also hinted at possible repercussions for three Democratic congressional members who joined Baraka in the protest, underscoring the political weight of the situation.
