On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The arrest occurred during a protest against the facility’s operations, which Baraka and other officials claim violate local ordinances and lack necessary city permits and inspections.
Background and Protest Details
Mayor Baraka, a Democratic mayor and gubernatorial candidate, has long opposed the Delaney Hall facility, operated by the private company GEO Group under a 15-year, $1 billion contract awarded by ICE. Baraka alleges that the facility’s reopening was illegal and lacked proper municipal oversight.
On the day of the arrest, Baraka was joined by U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez. The group aimed to conduct an oversight tour of the facility, citing concerns about detainee treatment and facility conditions. However, federal officials claimed that no tour had been requested and accused the group of trespassing.
Arrest and Charges
According to Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, Baraka trespassed and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. He was subsequently arrested and charged with trespassing. Habba emphasized that Baraka’s actions were unacceptable and that “no one is above the law.
The Department of Homeland Security accused Baraka and other demonstrators of disrupting the facility during the arrival of a detainee transport bus. However, Representative McIver defended Baraka, stating he had already left the facility when detained and “did nothing wrong.”
Political Implications
Baraka’s arrest has sparked controversy as the New Jersey gubernatorial primary approaches next month. His campaign stated they are monitoring the situation and will provide additional information when available.
The incident underscores escalating Democratic resistance to the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement practices. Baraka has committed to continue challenging the facility and advocating for the rights and protections of Newark residents and detainees alike.
Facility Operations and Compliance
The Delaney Hall facility, reportedly the largest detention center in the northeastern U.S., recently reopened following Trump’s second term inauguration. Baraka had previously alleged that the facility had denied access to city fire inspectors after a judge authorized an inspection due to reported health and safety violations. Newark fire inspectors identified three code violations at the center.
Despite these allegations, federal officials maintain that the facility’s permits and inspections were in order. The incident has highlighted tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and facility oversight.
Conclusion
Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during the protest at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center has brought national attention to the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and local authority. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Baraka’s political future and the operations of the Delaney Hall facility.
