Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Facility During Protest
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| Newark Mayor Ras Baraka addresses community needs at a press conference, joined by advocates and officials, highlighting unity in action. |
Published: May 9, 2025 | By Briana Scalia
Newark, NJ – Newark Mayor and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9, 2025, at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, where he was protesting its recent opening alongside Democratic members of Congress. The arrest occurred around 3 p.m., according to a spokesperson from the Ras Baraka for Governor Campaign.
Details of the Arrest
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, stated on X that Mayor Baraka was detained for trespassing after ignoring multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to leave the premises. Baraka was attempting to join a scheduled tour of the facility with Reps. Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman when federal officials blocked his entry. An altercation ensued when Baraka tried to enter through a side gate, leading to his arrest.
Witnesses reported that federal agents forcibly restrained organizers, throwing some to the ground before handcuffing Baraka. He is currently being held at an ICE field office on Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark, where supporters have gathered to protest his detention.
Allegations of Assault on Congressional Members
Rep. LaMonica McIver claimed that she and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman were assaulted by ICE officers during the incident. “They not only arrested the mayor of Newark but put their hands on two members of Congress,” McIver stated. Both representatives left Delaney Hall to head to the field office where Baraka is being held.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman condemned the incident, saying, “What we experienced was the weaponization of the abuse of power that this administration has given ICE to do.”
Delaney Hall Controversy
Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed ICE detention center operated by the GEO Group, opened on May 1, 2025, despite ongoing protests led by Baraka. The mayor has argued that the facility’s opening violates building permit regulations, stating, “Delaney Hall cannot lawfully open in Newark at this time.” Baraka and advocates have been vocal about their opposition throughout the week leading up to his arrest.
Official Responses
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed outrage over Baraka’s arrest, stating, “I am outraged by the unjust arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka earlier this afternoon outside of Delaney Hall in Newark.” He highlighted the broader context of protests by Baraka, faith leaders, and congressional members against the private detention center.
Senator Cory Booker called for Baraka’s immediate release, urging law enforcement to de-escalate the situation. Senator Andy Kim echoed this demand, describing the arrest as “shocking” and confirming he has contacted the DHS Secretary directly.
Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill criticized the Trump administration’s decision to reopen Delaney Hall. Gottheimer described the facility as “an environment ripe with mistreatment and abuse,” while Sherrill noted that reopening the center “won’t fix our broken immigration system.”
Ongoing Developments
The incident has sparked widespread attention, with supporters rallying outside the ICE field office in Newark. Congressional members and state officials continue to demand Baraka’s release as tensions surrounding the Delaney Hall opening persist.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.