Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday exterior an immigration detention heart he’s been protesting this week.
“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon,” interim U.S. Lawyer for the District of New Jersey and former Donald Trump protection lawyer Alina Habba posted on X. “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
Video obtained by Axios reveals Baraka and different outstanding Democrats at odds with authorities exterior the Delaney Corridor immigration heart.
Witnesses advised Pix11 the mayor’s arrest adopted his try to affix a facility tour with three of New Jersey’s congressional delegates.
A confrontation reportedly started when officers blocked Baraka from getting into the ability. Viri Martinez, an activist with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, stated officers “swarmed” the mayor after pushing and shoving ensued.
“They put Baraka in handcuffs and put him in an unmarked car,” she advised Pix11.
The Division of Homeland Safety later launched a press release alleging “a group of protestors, including two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, stormed the gate and broke into the detention facility.”
These elected officers have been recognized as New Jersey representatives Robert Menendez, Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Rep. LaMonica McIver was additionally current for what she stated was an oversight go to.
McIver claimed Baraka did “nothing wrong” and was focused by officers after following instructions.
Homeland Safety Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin known as Friday’s conflict a political stunt and stated the division would have facilitated a tour had these concerned requested one.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated he was “outraged” by Baraka’s arrest and known as for his quick launch by federal officers.
Baraka is operating to turn out to be the Backyard State’s subsequent governor in November. Murphy is term-limited and may’t run.
Initially Revealed: Might 9, 2025 at 5:52 PM EDT
