Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest on May 9th, 2025. He’s up against these undercutting accusations for having trespassed at a Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention operation in Newark, New Jersey. The situation escalated when Baraka, joined by a posse of fellow state legislators, tried to do some basic oversight of the facility. Later that night, he was arraigned on one count of trespassing in Newark federal court. His walk-out saw him released without bond.
Then, after officials arrested Baraka, they claimed he had refused to heed several warnings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had continuously ordered him to vacate the grounds. He was arrested just outside of the jail while still in handcuffs. The mayor’s refusal has raised important questions about state lawmakers’ right to access federally-run facilities to conduct independent oversight and accountability.
Here’s how the action played out as Baraka went inside the ICE detention center with Reps. Seek Baraka, Reps. Once they got inside, ICE agents arrested them. The agents claimed that they had to start physically clearing them off the property after giving them warnings to leave.
“We entered the facility, came BACK OUT to speak to the Mayor, and then ICE agents began shoving us,” – Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman
The coalition argued that they were simply exercising their legal right to oversight, which Rep. Menendez said was a key issue in the case.
“As Members of Congress, we have a legal right to conduct oversight at any DHS facility without prior notice, as we have already done twice this year,” – Rob Menendez
In sharp disagreement, DHS officials that members of Congress are not allowed to illegally trespass into detention facilities. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, stated that the agency would not tolerate any form of assault against its law enforcement agents.
“Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities,” – Tricia McLaughlin
The implications go far beyond Baraka’s arrest. He is now campaigning to become governor of New Jersey. The scandal over his actions at the ICE factory may prove to be the most damaging blow to his campaign. The incident has led to widespread condemnation and outrage across the country—as a local black leader put it, shocked.
“This is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and I am shocked and disturbed that something like this happened in our community,” – Rob Menendez
Alina Habba, the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, suggested the possibility of additional legal actions to come regarding the incident. She said additional arrests might be in the future.
“There will likely be more arrests coming,” – Tricia McLaughlin
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