ewark, NJ – The political climate in New Jersey intensified Friday after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested during a tense protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility. The incident has ignited backlash from state leaders and raised serious questions about federal immigration enforcement practices.
According to federal officials, the New Jersey mayor was arrested after allegedly refusing to leave the premises, despite multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations agents. Baraka had arrived with three Democratic members of Congress to inspect the facility and voice concerns over alleged safety and permit violations.
“Mayor Baraka knowingly trespassed and refused to comply with federal orders,” stated acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba. “No one is above the law in this state.” 
Despite the charge of criminal trespassing, Baraka remains firm that he did nothing wrong. Speaking to reporters shortly after his release from a DHS detention center, he said: “As an elected official, I have a duty to my city. I was exercising my right to ensure the safety of our community.”
Baraka’s arrest was captured in widely shared videos showing a standoff between officers and protesters at the gate of the facility. At one point, officers can be heard issuing a final warning before placing him in handcuffs. He was later released and greeted by cheering supporters.
Democratic lawmakers Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, who were present during the protest but not detained, called the arrest unjust. “This detention center was opened without local approval and violates our ordinances,” Watson Coleman said in a social media post. “We were there in our oversight role.”
The protest occurred as a bus carrying detained migrants entered the Delaney Hall compound. A statement from the Department of Homeland Security accused the group of disrupting operations and risking safety. “Storming a secured facility is not a political statement—it’s a threat to order,” the DHS said.
Earlier this year, the City of Newark filed a lawsuit against the private operator of Delaney Hall, claiming it lacked proper permits and avoided municipal inspections. The company maintains it has followed all legal requirements.
Governor Phil Murphy condemned the arrest, saying, “I’m deeply concerned about how this was handled. Mayor Baraka deserves respect—not handcuffs—for advocating for Newark.”
The New Jersey mayor arrested story has already stirred debate across state lines as Baraka continues his campaign for governor. Supporters say the arrest could strengthen his base as someone willing to challenge federal overreach.
