Mayor Baraka Detained After Heated Confrontation at Immigration Detention Center

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday at the federal immigration detention center he has strongly opposed, sparking a wave of public outcry. Baraka, known for his vocal criticism of the detention facility, was detained after allegedly trespassing and ignoring multiple warnings to leave the Delaney Hall facility in Newark.

The mayor was held in custody for several hours before being released around 8 p.m. Speaking to reporters and supporters outside the facility, Baraka maintained that he had done nothing wrong. “The reality is this: I didn’t do anything wrong,” he stated. While he refrained from discussing the specifics of his case, citing a promise made to his lawyers and the judge, Baraka reaffirmed his commitment to standing by the immigrant community.

Mayor’s Arrest Sparks Controversy

Baraka has been a vocal opponent of the construction of the 1,000-bed detention center, which he argues should never have been allowed to open due to unresolved building permit issues. His wife, Linda Baraka, accused the federal government of targeting her husband for arrest. “They didn’t arrest anyone else. They didn’t ask anyone else to leave. They wanted to make an example out of the mayor,” she said, expressing frustration over not being allowed to see her husband.

Federal officials, however, justified the arrest, claiming Baraka had trespassed at the facility, which is operated by private prison company Geo Group. Alina Habba, interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, accused the mayor of choosing to “disregard the law.”

Witnesses Describe Heated Confrontation

The arrest followed a tense confrontation between Baraka and federal officials when he attempted to enter the facility alongside New Jersey Representatives Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Witnesses described a heated argument that escalated into physical altercations, with one protester allegedly being thrown to the ground as officers surrounded the mayor. Video footage captured the moment Baraka was handcuffed and escorted away in an unmarked vehicle.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement claiming that the lawmakers had not requested a tour, though they later entered the facility for an unscheduled inspection. Rep. Watson Coleman clarified that they were exercising their legal oversight authority, rejecting DHS’s portrayal of the visit as a “storming” of the facility.

DHS Response and Legal Fallout

DHS officials maintained that Baraka’s actions were unlawful, as he was not a member of Congress and therefore did not have the same oversight privileges as the lawmakers. The confrontation turned more intense after Baraka left the restricted area and joined protesters on the public side of the gate. ICE agents quickly surrounded him, and video footage shows Baraka being dragged through the gate in handcuffs as protesters shouted “Shame!”

The arrest has sparked criticism from civil rights groups and government officials. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin condemned the arrest, especially since it occurred during a peaceful protest. Platkin emphasized that no state or local law enforcement had been involved in the incident.

A Broader Fight Over Immigration Detention

The Delaney Hall facility has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration detention practices. The two-story building, located next to a county prison, was converted into a detention center after ICE awarded a 15-year contract to Geo Group. The $1 billion deal is part of the Trump administration’s larger push to increase detention capacity nationwide.

The contract for Delaney Hall is expected to generate significant revenue for Geo Group, with the facility’s operations beginning in May. Baraka filed a lawsuit against Geo Group shortly after the contract’s announcement, challenging the legitimacy of the detention center.

Despite the controversy, the DHS insists that the facility is fully compliant with required permits and inspections, and it remains operational. Baraka, however, continues to decry the facility as a symbol of injustice, emphasizing his belief that immigrant communities deserve better.

As the political drama continues to unfold, many are questioning whether Baraka’s arrest will serve to strengthen or hinder the ongoing fight against the expansion of immigration detention centers. Regardless of the outcome, the episode highlights the growing divide over the future of immigration policy in the U.S. and the role of local leaders in shaping that future.