On Friday afternoon, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by federal agents at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center after a confrontation with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers. The arrest occurred during a congressional oversight visit and ended with Baraka in handcuffs, as captured by local media.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba confirmed that Baraka had trespassed on the premises after repeatedly ignoring orders to leave. In a strong statement, Habba emphasized, “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, chose to disregard the law by trespassing and refusing to follow instructions from Homeland Security. His actions will not be tolerated. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
Baraka was reportedly attempting to join a congressional delegation at the newly established immigration detention center at Delaney Hall. While the visit initially seemed routine, tensions rose when Baraka was stopped at the entrance, allowed inside, and then engaged in discussions that federal authorities deemed unauthorized.
A video from News12NJ shows Baraka being escorted out in handcuffs following the heated verbal exchange. While the specifics of the disagreement remain unclear, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has labeled his actions as illegal.
Sources close to the situation say several members of Congress tried to intervene on Baraka’s behalf but were reportedly pushed aside. The Delaney Hall facility, managed by The GEO Group, has recently begun operating under a federal contract for immigration enforcement. It costs taxpayers $63 million annually, according to its lease.
Earlier this week, Newark officials filed legal action seeking increased access and oversight of Delaney Hall, citing concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the number of detainees and issues with safety and permits. Mayor Baraka had previously highlighted safety risks at the facility, calling attention to potential hazards for both detainees and first responders.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Communications at the Department of Homeland Security, stated that Baraka’s actions were putting ICE personnel, the facility’s safety, and detainees at risk.