Newark Mayor Arrested at Immigration Detention Center
Ras Baraka faces trespassing charges after confrontation with federal officials
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on trespassing charges at a federal immigration detention facility in New Jersey last week. The Democratic mayor, who is currently running for governor, briefly returned to the facility on Tuesday following his arrest. Baraka has denied the trespassing allegations, claiming he was not on the detention facility's property when federal agents took him into custody.
The incident occurred after Baraka attempted to join three New Jersey congressional representatives who were entering the Delaney Hall facility. Video footage shows a federal official denying Baraka entry because he was not a member of Congress. After being turned away, Baraka reportedly remained outside the facility on what he considered public property when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents surrounded him and placed him in handcuffs.
KEY POINTS
- •Mayor arrested at detention facility
- •Denied entry while Congress members allowed
- •Faces court hearing on trespassing charge
The detention center has become a focal point of controversy since February when ICE awarded a 15-year, $1 billion contract to private prison operator Geo Group to run the facility. Baraka has been an outspoken critic of both the facility's opening and the Trump administration's immigration policies. The mayor faces a court hearing on Thursday regarding the trespassing charge stemming from Friday's arrest.
The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between local officials and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. Alina Habba, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, claimed on social media that Baraka trespassed at the facility again during his Tuesday appearance. The incident occurred as Baraka campaigns in the Democratic primary for New Jersey governor, scheduled for June 10.