Newark mayor arrested at ICE detention center amid yelling and pushing

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:49 pm

Newark Mayor Arrested at ICE Detention Center Amid Protest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday at the Delaney Hall federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, following a protest against its opening. The arrest, confirmed by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, stemmed from alleged trespassing and failure to heed warnings from Homeland Security personnel.

Baraka, a Democrat campaigning to be the next governor of New Jersey, has been a vocal opponent of the detention center, citing building permit issues. Witnesses reported that the arrest occurred after Baraka attempted to join a scheduled tour of the facility with three members of New Jersey's congressional delegation. A heated argument ensued when federal officials blocked his entry.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement disputing witness accounts of the tour request, claiming that a group of protestors, including two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, stormed the gate and broke into the detention facility. DHS officials called the incident a "bizarre political stunt" that put agents and detainees at risk. Video footage shows a federal official informing Baraka he couldn't join the tour because he wasn't a member of Congress. Minutes later, Baraka was arrested on the public side of the gate.

The detention center, operated by the private prison operator GEO Group, is part of a $1 billion, 15-year contract with ICE. GEO Group's CEO, David Donahue, stated the facility is expected to generate over $60 million a year in revenue. Baraka had previously sued GEO Group over the deal.

BNN's Perspective:

This situation highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy, political activism, and the role of private companies in the detention system. While Mayor Baraka's actions are understandable given his stance on immigration, the legal ramifications of his actions are clear. The incident underscores the need for respectful dialogue and adherence to the law, even when protesting policies one disagrees with.

Keywords: Newark Mayor, Ras Baraka, Arrest, ICE Detention Center, Delaney Hall, Protest, Immigration, GEO Group, Trespassing, Homeland Security, Federal, New Jersey, Politics, Detention Facility, Illegal Immigration, Building Permits, Congressional Delegation, Donald Trump, Private Prison, GEO Group, Revenue, Law Enforcement, Activism

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