Newark Mayor Ras Baraka found himself in handcuffs on Friday afternoon when federal agents arrested him at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. The arrest, which took place in Newark, New Jersey, was the result of Baraka allegedly trespassing on federal property and disregarding several warnings to vacate the area.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that despite repeated instructions, Mayor Baraka refused to leave the premises, leading to his detention. She underscored the impartiality of the law, declaring, "No one is above the law." The incident occurred while Baraka accompanied a group of congressional representatives to inspect the conditions of the immigration detention center, which had recently come under a new federal contract.
The visit was initially reported as routine until Baraka was stopped at the entrance. He was subsequently allowed entry but later engaged in what officials described as unauthorized discussions. News12NJ captured footage showing the mayor being escorted out by Homeland Security Investigations officers following a verbal altercation. Details of the dispute have yet to be disclosed publicly.
Federal prosecutors assert that the mayor's conduct hampered the facility's operations and contravened federal rules. They have characterized his behavior as an intentional flouting of the law. During the altercation, witnesses report that several lawmakers attempted to intervene, with some alleging they were shoved amidst the chaos. The identities of the lawmakers involved have not been revealed.
Delaney Hall, managed by the private GEO Group, operates under a $63 million annual lease agreement with the federal government to house individuals involved in immigration enforcement proceedings. Earlier in the week, the city of Newark had filed a complaint against the facility's operators, demanding enhanced transparency and oversight due to the inability to verify the number of detainees.
Mayor Baraka has been vocal about his concerns regarding Delaney Hall's safety and compliance standards, citing numerous code violations as potential risks to both detainees and staff. He contends that the issues arise from not only a lack of inspections but also from failures in obtaining necessary permits, deeming the situation "unacceptable."
In response, federal officials have criticized Baraka's criticisms as dangerous. Assistant Secretary for Communications at the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, accused the mayor of jeopardizing the safety of ICE staff, facility operations, and detainees. She labeled Baraka a "sanctuary mayor" and suggested that his political stance was obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
