Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, as tensions escalated when three Democratic members of Congress attempted to enter the controversial site without formal approval, prompting a standoff with federal officers.
Baraka, a Democratic candidate for governor, was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations after allegedly trespassing at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark, New Jersey. "He has willingly chosen to disregard the law," said Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. "That will not stand in this state."
The confrontation occurred shortly after Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, all Democrats from New Jersey, attempted to force their way into the facility alongside protesters. The Department of Homeland Security accused the lawmakers of "storming the gate," saying their actions jeopardized law enforcement and detainee safety.
"These members of Congress storming into a detention facility goes beyond bizarre political stunt and puts the safety of our law enforcement agents and the detainees at risk," said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. "Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated a tour of the facility."
The lawmakers rejected the characterization. Watson Coleman's office said they were exercising their legal oversight authority and had spent hours explaining their purpose to officials. A spokesperson for Watson Coleman disputed DHS's characterization, saying it was not accurate to suggest the lawmakers "stormed" the facility. McIver's team added, "They're here doing their jobs."
Watson Coleman later said ICE was "out of control," alleging that the officials "manhandled us and manhandled the mayor." McIver stated that the group waited for hours for a supervisor before proceeding inside the gate.
The flashpoint at Delaney Hall follows growing concerns over transparency and local control. Newark officials have sued GEO Group, the private prison company operating the facility, alleging that it is violating city safety codes and refusing access to inspectors. GEO and DHS deny the allegations, stating that "valid permits and inspection from plumbing, electricity to fire codes has been cleared."
Baraka's arrest sparked outrage from Democratic officials statewide. Sen. Cory Booker called it "disturbing and unnecessary." Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "outraged by the unjust arrest," while Rep. Josh Gottheimer demanded Baraka's immediate release.
Meanwhile, White House spokesman Kush Desai condemned the lawmakers' actions, accusing them of "crossing the line between meaningless political street theatre and outright breaking the law."
Baraka previously accused the Biden administration of "following the pattern of the president of the United States, who believes that he can just do what he wants to do and obscure the laws." He said the same attitude was now being adopted in Newark.
In a press briefing after the incident, Menendez, the son of embattled former Sen. Bob Menendez, said ICE engaged in an "act of intimidation," stating through tears, "They feel no restraint in what they should be doing."
