Newark Mayor Arrested as Democratic Lawmakers Clash with ICE at New Jersey Detention Center
Newark, NJ – Tensions ran high Friday at a federal immigration detention center in Newark when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democratic frontrunner for New Jersey governor, was arrested after entering the facility without authorization. The arrest came as three Democratic members of Congress pushed past security gates during what they claimed was an “oversight visit.”
The incident unfolded at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, operated under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mayor Baraka was detained for trespassing and released hours later.
“They treated me with respect,” Baraka said after his release. “But the fact is, we didn’t break any laws. This is just a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.”
Baraka’s arrest quickly ignited political debate. A crowd of supporters and fellow politicians gathered outside the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Field Office, chanting and demanding his release.
Top Democrats Condemn the Arrest
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) called Baraka’s arrest “disturbing” and said it highlighted aggressive tactics that do more to divide communities than protect them.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed outrage, reminding the public that state law bans private immigration detention centers — a law currently being defended in federal court.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also weighed in, calling Baraka “a friend and fighter for justice.” He said the arrest exemplifies the “federal government’s ongoing overreach” and its erosion of constitutional protections.
Republicans Fire Back
Not everyone saw Baraka’s actions as noble. Bob Hugin, chair of the New Jersey Republican Party, blasted the event as a “political stunt.”
“He’s not acting like a mayor — he’s running for governor,” Hugin said. “And this kind of behavior shows he’s more interested in political drama than in upholding public safety and the law.”
The White House joined in the criticism. Spokesman Kush Desai said Democrats were once again prioritizing “illegal immigrants over American citizens” and accused them of crossing the line from protest to criminal action.
Congress Members Involved in the Incident
Earlier in the day, Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver — all Democrats from New Jersey — attempted to enter the detention facility without clearance. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the lawmakers forced their way past the first checkpoint after ICE gates opened to allow a transport bus inside.
DHS officials condemned the move, saying, “Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot forcibly enter secure federal facilities. If they had requested a formal tour, we would have accommodated them.”
A DHS spokesperson emphasized the risk to both law enforcement officers and detainees, labeling the incident as a reckless political maneuver.
What This Means for the 2025 Governor’s Race
Baraka’s arrest has thrust immigration policy and federal-local tensions into the spotlight just as New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial race heats up. While his supporters view his actions as a bold stand for justice, critics say it shows poor judgment and a willingness to break laws for publicity.
As immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies remain hot-button issues, this confrontation may set the tone for a broader national debate heading into the 2024 elections.
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