NEWARK, N.J. -- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9, 2025, at a federal immigration detention center where he was protesting its opening, according to federal officials. Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, announced on the social media platform X that Baraka committed trespass and ignored warnings from Homeland Security personnel at Delaney Hall, a facility operated by GEO Group.
Habba stated that Baraka "has willingly chosen to disregard the law" and was subsequently taken into custody. The mayor, a Democrat running to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies and the opening of the 1,000-bed detention center, arguing that it should not be allowed to operate due to unresolved building permit issues.
In a statement, Governor Murphy expressed his outrage over Baraka's arrest, calling it "unjust." He said, "Over the past few months, Mayor Baraka, as well as advocates, faith leaders, and members of our Congressional delegation, have protested the opening of a private immigration detention center in the city of Newark."
Witnesses reported that Baraka's arrest followed an attempt to join a scheduled tour of the facility with three members of New Jersey's congressional delegation: Reps. Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman. When federal officials blocked his entry, a heated argument ensued. Viri Martinez, an activist with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, noted, "There was yelling and pushing. Then the officers swarmed Baraka. They threw one of the organizers to the ground and handcuffed Baraka, putting him in an unmarked car."
The Department of Homeland Security later stated that the lawmakers had not requested a tour and that a group of protesters, including two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, had stormed the facility's gate. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the incident as "beyond a bizarre political stunt" and stated that it endangered the safety of both agents and detainees. She emphasized, "Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities. Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated a tour of the facility."
Video footage of the altercation showed a federal official informing Baraka that he could not join the tour because "you are not a congress member." After leaving the secure area, Baraka rejoined protesters on the public side of the gate. In the video, he was heard saying, "I'm not on their property, they can't come out on the street and arrest me." However, moments later, several ICE agents surrounded him and arrested him as protesters shouted, "Shame!"
The detention center, located adjacent to a county prison, previously functioned as a halfway house before ICE awarded a 15-year contract to GEO Group in February 2025 to operate the facility. This contract, valued at approximately $1 billion, is part of the Trump administration's plan to increase the number of detention beds nationwide. Baraka filed a lawsuit against GEO Group shortly after the contract was announced.
During a recent earnings call, GEO Group's CEO David Donahue stated that the Delaney Hall facility is expected to generate more than $60 million in annual revenue. The facility began its intake process on May 1, 2025, and its activation, along with another facility in Michigan, is projected to increase total capacity under contract with ICE from around 20,000 beds to approximately 23,000.
In light of Baraka's arrest, Governor Murphy called for his immediate release, stating that Baraka is an exemplary public servant who has consistently advocated for the vulnerable members of the community. "I am calling for his immediate release by federal law enforcement," Murphy declared.
Baraka's spokesperson, Kabir Moss, confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the detention center continues to draw attention from various stakeholders, including local activists and lawmakers.
As tensions rise over immigration policies and the role of private detention centers, Baraka's arrest highlights the ongoing conflict between local leaders and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees.
The incident at Delaney Hall not only raises questions about the legality of the detention center's operation but also exemplifies the broader national debate over immigration policy and the use of private facilities to detain immigrants. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this arrest will impact Baraka's gubernatorial campaign and the future of immigration detention in New Jersey.
