Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, during a protest against its recent reopening. Baraka, who is also a Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, has been a vocal critic of the facility, citing concerns over its permitting and operation.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, Baraka was taken into custody for trespassing and ignoring multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to leave the premises. Habba stated, “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody.”
The incident occurred as Baraka attempted to join a scheduled tour of Delaney Hall alongside U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver. The group aimed to conduct oversight of the facility, which they allege was reopened illegally without proper city permits or adherence to local ordinances.
Delaney Hall, operated by private prison company GEO Group under a 15-year, $1 billion contract with ICE, reopened on May 1, 2025. City officials, including Baraka, have contested the reopening, arguing that the facility lacks necessary permits and has not undergone required inspections, said reports.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized the protest, claiming that the group, including members of Congress, “stormed the gate” of the facility, disrupting operations and endangering safety. However, representatives for Congress members Watson Coleman and McIver refuted this characterization, denying any aggressive breach.
Baraka’s campaign confirmed his arrest, stating he is currently being held at a nearby Customs and Border Protection office. The campaign is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
This arrest marks a significant moment in Baraka’s ongoing opposition to federal immigration policies and the expansion of detention facilities in Newark. As the situation develops, further details are expected to emerge regarding the legal and political ramifications of the incident.
Watch video of Newark’s Mayor being arrested:
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