Newark Mayor Baraka Arrested at ICE Facility -

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Newark, NJ | 10 May,2025

Ras Baraka, the Democratic mayor of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday while joining members of Congress at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. According to the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, Baraka was arrested for trespassing after ignoring multiple warnings to leave the ICE detention center in Newark. He was taken into custody, but no federal charges have been filed against him.

A spokesperson for Baraka’s 2025 gubernatorial campaign confirmed that he was arrested and detained by ICE. They said they were monitoring the situation and would provide more information as it became available.

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Baraka, along with three members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation – Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Robert Menendez Jr. – went to the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility to conduct oversight. However, while the three congressmembers were allowed to stay on the property, Baraka was told to leave and had to stand outside the gate.

The lawmakers said they were there to see the conditions at the detention facility, and Watson Coleman explained they were exercising their authority to oversee the facility. After Baraka’s arrest, the members of Congress spoke to the media, explaining that Baraka was arrested after leaving the facility, and they were not told why he was detained.

Habba claimed Baraka had been warned multiple times but refused to leave the property. She added that breaking the law would not help him, and there was no room for political grandstanding.

Watson Coleman and the others said they were not told why Baraka was arrested and that ICE officers acted aggressively. They felt the situation was meant to intimidate them and others who were watching.

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Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey criticized Baraka’s arrest, calling him an “exemplary public servant” and demanding his immediate release. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker also condemned the arrest, calling it disturbing and unnecessary.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the lawmakers were trying to “storm” the facility, but Watson Coleman disagreed, saying they were just doing their job by exercising their legal oversight function.

New Jersey’s Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin, said that arresting public officials for protesting peacefully was wrong and violated basic democratic principles.

On the other hand, New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Bob Hugin criticized Baraka, calling his actions a “stunt” and claiming they were dangerous and reckless. He said that Baraka’s actions showed he would prioritize political theater over public safety and the rule of law.

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