Newark Mayor Arrested During Attempted Entry Into Immigration Detention Centre

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democratic candidate in New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial primary, was arrested on Friday outside Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention centre in Newark. The arrest occurred during a tense encounter involving three Democratic members of Congress who were conducting an unannounced inspection of the facility.

According to Ned Cooper, spokesperson for Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, Baraka was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following a scuffle at the gate. The incident unfolded as Representatives Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Robert Menendez Jr. arrived at the facility to exercise congressional oversight. The lawmakers were reportedly “shoved around a bit” during the altercation, but no injuries were reported.

Alina Habba, former attorney to Donald Trump and acting U.S. Attorney, accused Baraka on social media platform X of trespassing and ignoring multiple warnings to leave the premises.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the lawmakers attempted to force entry while a detainee transport bus arrived, describing the incident as a dangerous stunt. However, Cooper denied those allegations, insisting the lawmakers acted within their oversight duties and that Baraka never crossed the facility’s perimeter fence. He also clarified that the visit was not coordinated with the mayor or with protesters gathered nearby.

After being initially denied access, the lawmakers were eventually permitted entry and departed about three hours later. McIver later posted a video stating Baraka “did nothing wrong” and called his arrest “unacceptable.”

Delaney Hall, which can hold over 1,000 detainees, is operated by private prison contractor GEO Group under a federal contract. Advocates have criticized the centre for lacking city permits and for opening despite public opposition—claims the DHS denies.

Baraka’s team has not issued a comment, and it remains unclear if he will face charges. His arrest comes just weeks ahead of New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.