Fri May 09 23:13:15 UTC 2025: ## Newark Mayor Arrested During Protest of Immigration Detention Center

**Newark, NJ** – Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday during a protest at the newly opened Delaney Hall immigration detention center, sparking outrage from fellow Democrats and rights groups. The arrest occurred after Baraka, along with several US Representatives, attempted to enter the facility for what they termed an “oversight inspection.”

According to authorities, Baraka was denied entry due to not being a member of Congress. After leaving the secure area, he was subsequently arrested by ICE agents on accusations of trespassing, despite claiming to be on public property. Video footage of the incident appears to corroborate the mayor’s claim of being arrested outside the facility’s perimeter.

Acting US Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba stated that Baraka “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings,” asserting that “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.” However, Rep. LaMonica McIver, present at the protest, maintains Baraka “did nothing wrong” and had already left the facility before his arrest.

The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson accused the lawmakers of staging a “bizarre political stunt” and “storming” the facility. Mayor Baraka contends that Delaney Hall opened without proper local permits and approvals, a claim the GEO Group, the facility’s operator, denies. He has filed a lawsuit to halt the center’s operations.

The arrest has drawn sharp criticism. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called Baraka’s arrest “unjust,” describing him as an “exemplary public servant.” The incident comes amidst ongoing legal challenges to a New Jersey law banning private immigration detention centers.

The 1,000-bed facility, a key component of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, has been the target of consistent protests led by Mayor Baraka, who is also a candidate in next month’s gubernatorial primary. He has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, previously vowing that Newark would not tolerate what he considered unlawful actions against its residents. The incident is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding immigration detention and the powers of local authorities versus federal agencies.

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