Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday, May 9, 2025, at a federal immigration detention center in New Jersey, a facility he has vocally opposed since its opening. The arrest, which has drawn significant media attention and political ramifications, occurred after Baraka allegedly trespassed while attempting to join a tour of the facility with three members of Congress.
Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, confirmed the arrest in a statement on social media, asserting that Baraka "committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark." Habba emphasized that Baraka had "willingly chosen to disregard the law" and added, "That will not stand in this state. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW."
The incident took place at Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed facility that opened just days prior and is managed by the private prison operator GEO Group. Baraka has been a staunch opponent of the facility, arguing that it violates local laws regarding construction permits and inspections. His administration has filed lawsuits against GEO Group, claiming the facility lacks necessary permits to operate.
According to witnesses, Baraka was part of a group that included Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez, who were attempting to conduct oversight of the facility. The group arrived unannounced, intending to inspect the center rather than take a scheduled tour, which they claimed was not properly arranged. When federal officials barred Baraka from entering, tensions escalated, leading to a heated argument.
Viri Martinez, an activist with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, described the scene, saying, "There was yelling and pushing. Then the officers swarmed Baraka. They threw one of the organizers to the ground and put Baraka in handcuffs." Video footage captured the moment Baraka was taken into custody, with protesters shouting, "Shame!" as he was escorted away.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later issued a statement claiming that the lawmakers had not requested a tour of the facility, contradicting the accounts of Baraka and his colleagues. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the incident as a "bizarre political stunt," asserting that it endangered both law enforcement agents and detainees. "Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities," McLaughlin stated. "Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated a tour of the facility."
Baraka's arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters and fellow Democrats. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who was present during the arrest, expressed her dismay, stating that she had informed Governor Phil Murphy and Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim about the situation, calling for an emergency bail hearing. Coleman described Baraka as an "exemplary public servant who has always stood up for our most vulnerable neighbors" and demanded his immediate release.
Senator Booker characterized the arrest as "disturbing" and "unnecessary," criticizing the Trump administration's decision to reopen Delaney Hall. He stated that the facility's existence poses a threat to community safety and security, arguing that it should never have been allowed to operate in the first place.
Baraka's history as a progressive leader in Newark is well-documented. He has served as mayor since 2014 and was reelected in 2018 and 2022. Before his tenure as mayor, he was a member of the Newark Municipal Council from 2005 to 2014. His father, Amiri Baraka, was a renowned poet and activist, and his legacy has undoubtedly influenced Ras Baraka's commitment to social justice and community advocacy.
As the situation unfolds, Baraka's campaign for governor remains a focal point. He is one of six Democratic candidates vying for the position in the upcoming primary on June 10, 2025. His arrest, framed by his supporters as an act of political repression, may rally further support from constituents who share his concerns about immigration policies and the treatment of detainees.
In the wake of the arrest, Baraka's representatives have stated that they are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of elected officials and their rights to protest and advocate for their constituents, particularly in the context of contentious immigration policies.
Delaney Hall, which began accepting detainees on May 1, 2025, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States. The facility's operation is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to expand detention capacity nationwide, which has drawn criticism from local officials and advocacy groups alike.
As the legal and political ramifications continue to develop, the implications of Baraka's arrest could resonate far beyond Newark, potentially influencing the upcoming gubernatorial race and shaping the dialogue around immigration policy in New Jersey and beyond.
