On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. He was leading a protest with Democratic lawmakers. They were checking on the facility's conditions.
Baraka, who has spoken out against the facility, was accused of trespassing. He ignored warnings from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. The lawmakers said they had the right to oversee the facility.
Background of Delaney Hall Detention Facility
Delaney Hall is a 1,000-bed detention center run by GEO Group. It started on May 1, 2025, under a $1 billion contract with ICE. The opening has been controversial.
Baraka and others say it doesn't have the right permits. The city of Newark has sued GEO Group over this issue.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Arrest
| Time (EDT) | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Mayor Baraka and Congress members arrive at Delaney Hall for oversight visit. |
| 9:30 AM | ICE agents instruct the group to leave the premises. |
| 10:00 AM | Baraka is arrested by HSI agents for trespassing. |
| 10:30 AM | Baraka is released after being processed. |
Reactions from Elected Officials
The arrest has been widely criticized by Democrats and civil rights groups. Governor Phil Murphy and Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim have spoken out. They say it's a political move and an abuse of power.
They believe it shows ICE's overreach and the erosion of rights. Alina Habba, a Trump advisor, defended the arrest. She said Baraka ignored warnings and trespassed.
DHS officials called it a political stunt. They claimed Democrats tried to release dangerous detainees.
Broader Implications
The arrest has sparked a national debate on immigration and detention. Critics worry about the use of private companies like GEO Group. They say it raises concerns about accountability and detainee treatment.
Supporters argue it's needed to manage detainees and ensure national security.
Conclusion
Mayor Ras Baraka's arrest has highlighted deep divisions over immigration and detention. It shows the tension between federal and local authorities. The debate over immigrant treatment and detention centers will likely continue.