Newark Mayor Arrested by Federal Agents During ICE Jail Protest

Ras Baraka, Newark’s mayor and a candidate for New Jersey governor, was detained by federal immigration agents on Friday during a protest near an immigrant detention center in Newark, according to his campaign.

This incident occurred shortly after the controversial Delaney Hall, now the largest detention center on the East Coast, opened its doors. Baraka is actively involved in a lawsuit regarding the facility’s compliance with city permits, and he has been protesting outside its gates all week in an attempt to gain access.

A photo shared by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) shows Baraka, handcuffed, being led away from the facility. It remains unclear if any charges have been formally filed against him. Following his arrest, he was taken to a Department of Homeland Security Investigations office in Newark, according to Baraka’s spokesman, Kabir Moss.

Around 200 supporters gathered outside the office, chanting slogans such as “Free Mayor Baraka!” and “No justice, no peace!” Many participants vowed to remain until he was released.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced via social media that Baraka was arrested for trespassing after failing to heed several warnings from federal agents to vacate the premises. “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law,” she stated, asserting that such actions would not be accepted.

Habba, who has previously served as a personal lawyer to former President Donald Trump, is also investigating New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin regarding the state’s restrictions on local law enforcement cooperation in immigration cases. A 2018 directive prevents law enforcement from aiding in civil immigration enforcement.

Congress members, including Reps. Rob Menendez (D-08) and LaMonica McIver (D-10), were present during the protest and alleged that ICE agents had invited Baraka onto the property before arresting him.

“This is un-American,” McIver remarked, criticizing the perceived weaponization of law enforcement against immigrants.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the congressional representatives’ actions, suggesting their entry into Delaney Hall endangered both law enforcement and detainees. “Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted.

Baraka has highlighted the opening of Delaney Hall as a pivotal issue in his gubernatorial campaign. The facility has a contentious history, having temporarily housed immigrants from 2011 to 2017 and reopening this May under a new contract with ICE.

Governor Murphy described Baraka’s arrest as unjust, asserting that it undermines democratic rights. “Four years ago, I signed a law against private immigration detention centers in New Jersey, and I stand firmly with Mayor Baraka,” he stated, calling for his immediate release.

Attorney General Platkin echoed these sentiments, finding the arrest deeply concerning. He emphasized the importance of protecting citizens exercising their rights to free speech and assembly, stating that no local law enforcement was involved in the incident.