Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at ICE facility while joining Democrats to conduct ‘oversight’

Ras Baraka, the Democratic mayor of Newark, New Jersey, made headlines when he was arrested on Friday while participating in a protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. This incident occurred as Baraka was joining members of Congress at the facility, according to interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba.

Baraka, who is currently one of six candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Jersey’s upcoming primary, was charged with trespassing, as per court documents filed on Friday evening. Despite being warned multiple times by Homeland Security Investigations to leave the premises, Baraka refused and was subsequently taken into custody.

During a live interview on Saturday morning, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia Mclaughlin hinted at the possibility of more arrests following the events at the ICE detention center in Newark. Mclaughlin alleged that bodycam footage showed members of Congress engaging in aggressive behavior towards ICE officers.

Baraka appeared before Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa the same evening for a brief preliminary hearing. Judge Espinosa ordered his release without bond, and no plea was entered. Trespassing, the charge against Baraka, carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 days in prison and a $500 fine.

A spokesperson for Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign confirmed the arrest, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who was present during the protest, condemned the actions of ICE and the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for transparency in government operations.

Baraka, along with three members of the congressional delegation for New Jersey, had visited the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility to conduct oversight. However, conflicting reports suggest that Baraka was not allowed on the facility property while other members were permitted.

The incident sparked controversy, with Governor Phil Murphy calling for Baraka’s immediate release and denouncing the arrest. Meanwhile, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions of ICE, accusing the elected officials of trying to “storm” the facility.

In response to the arrest, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin criticized the violation of free speech rights and emphasized the importance of peaceful protest. He affirmed that no state or local officers were involved in the arrest.

Despite the backlash, New Jersey Republican Party Chairman Bob Hugin criticized Baraka for his actions, labeling them as a “stunt” that prioritized political theater over public safety and the rule of law.

The incident has raised concerns about government transparency, civil rights, and the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact both Baraka’s political career and the ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policies in the United States.