Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at ICE detention center

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:46 pm

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Detention Center Protest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday at the Delaney Hall federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where he was protesting its recent opening. According to federal prosecutor Alina Habba, Mayor Baraka was taken into custody for trespassing and ignoring warnings from Homeland Security personnel.

The arrest occurred during a protest against the 1,000-bed detention center, which Mayor Baraka has vehemently opposed, citing building permit issues. He was attempting to join a scheduled tour of the facility with members of New Jersey's congressional delegation when federal officials blocked his entry. Witnesses reported a heated argument and physical altercation before Baraka was arrested.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming the lawmakers had not requested a tour and that protesters, including members of Congress, "stormed the gate." DHS officials called the incident a "bizarre political stunt" that endangered agents and detainees. Video footage shows a federal official informing Baraka he could not join the tour because he was not a member of Congress. Minutes later, ICE agents arrested Baraka on the public side of the gate.

The detention center, run by private prison operator GEO Group, was awarded a 15-year contract by ICE, valued at $1 billion. Mayor Baraka has previously sued GEO Group over the deal. The facility's opening is part of a broader plan to increase detention beds nationwide.

BNN's Perspective: While Mayor Baraka's commitment to his constituents and his stance on immigration are admirable, his actions, as described, appear to have crossed the line into civil disobedience. While the circumstances surrounding the facility's opening and the contract with GEO Group raise valid concerns, the rule of law must be respected. The situation highlights the complex intersection of political activism, immigration policy, and the role of private detention facilities.

Keywords: Newark Mayor, Ras Baraka, arrested, ICE detention center, protest, Delaney Hall, GEO Group, immigration, New Jersey, Phil Murphy, trespassing, Homeland Security, federal, detention facility, private prison, immigration detention, political stunt, building permits, illegal immigration, Donald Trump, ICE, GEO Group, David Donahue, Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Alina Habba, Tricia McLaughlin

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