The Mayor of Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, Ras Baraka who is also a Democratic candidate for governor was arrested by federal agents during a protest held at an immigrant detention center, following a confrontation that also involved three members of the U.S. Congress.
It is still unclear whether Baraka has been officially charged, and his current whereabouts remain unknown after he was handcuffed at the scene. According to Politico, Alina Khaba advisor to former President Donald Trump and currently the Attorney General of New Jersey confirmed his arrest.
“Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center after an argument with agents. Members of Congress who were there for a scheduled visit were shoved after trying to include Baraka in conversations once he entered through the gate.”
— Amanda Lee (@amandaleetv), May 9, 2025
The incident occurred near the Delaney Hall detention facility, during a tense scene involving protesters, federal agents, and three members of Congress: Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver, who were there to request an inspection of the facility.
The center, which has a 100-bed capacity, was reopened this month to detain undocumented immigrants. The city of Newark has filed a lawsuit against GEO Group — the private company managing the facility — alleging that it operates without proper authorization and has avoided necessary inspections. The company has denied all accusations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Alina Khaba wrote:
“Newark Mayor Ras Baraka entered the ICE center without permission and ignored repeated warnings from Homeland Security agents to leave. He knowingly chose to defy the law. This will not be tolerated. He has been taken into custody. No one is above the law.”
The incident began after Baraka was allowed into the facility’s secure parking area but was later ordered to leave. At that moment, the three members of Congress, who were inside the building, came outside as authorities threatened to arrest the mayor — who is actively campaigning for governor of the state.
