Newark Mayor Arrested During Congressional Oversight Visit at ICE Detention Facility

The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, found himself in legal trouble on Friday when he was arrested at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. His arrest coincided with a visit from three congressional members who demanded access to perform what they described as an oversight visit.

Ras Baraka, the Newark mayor and a prominent Democratic gubernatorial candidate, was taken into custody for trespassing, according to official sources. Authorities stated that Baraka ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations before entering the facility.

U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, addressed the incident on social media, emphasizing the legality of the matter. Habba stated, “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon. He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”

A crowd of supporters, including several lawmakers, gathered outside the HSI Newark Field Office where Baraka was being detained, chanting and calling for his release.

Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, criticized Baraka’s arrest, labeling it “disturbing, unnecessary, and indicative of tactics that undermine the safety and security of our communities, not add to it.”

Governor Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, expressed outrage at what he called an unjust arrest. He noted his prior efforts to ban private immigration detention centers in the state through legislation signed four years ago. Last week, the state defended this legislation in a federal appeals court.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, another Democratic ally, referred to Baraka as a friend and emphasized how his arrest exemplifies the federal government’s overreach that threatens due process guaranteed by the Constitution.

Contrasting this support, Bob Hugin, chairman of the New Jersey Republican Party, dismissed Baraka’s actions as nothing more than a publicity stunt. Hugin pointed out that Baraka had disregarded repeated warnings from authorities, stating, “He’s not a mayor – he’s running for governor, and this stunt shows exactly what kind of leader he’d be: one who puts political theater ahead of public safety and the rule of law.”

Additionally, the White House responded critically to the situation, asserting that Democrats prioritize the welfare of illegal immigrants over American citizens. White House spokesman Kush Desai remarked, “As always, Democrats are prioritizing the welfare of illegal aliens over American citizens – except now they’re crossing the line between meaningless political street theatre and outright breaking the law.”

Earlier that day, Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, all representing New Jersey, were inside ICE’s Delaney Hall detention facility. They reportedly faced obstruction at the first checkpoint, which led to a tense standoff with officials from the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin reiterated the agency’s position, stating, “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. Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities. Had these members requested a tour, we would have facilitated a tour of the facility.”

During the incident, the lawmakers entered the facility just as an ICE bus was allowed through the gates, reportedly advancing past security without authorization.

Following the confrontation, Coleman asserted that ICE operations were “out of control.” McIver expressed frustration, stating that they had waited more than two hours for access to conduct their oversight visit. She claimed that all three lawmakers faced aggression from ICE personnel.

In a poignant statement, McIver noted, “There are people who are supposed to be officers, who are supposed to protect us, and they have done none of that. If they can treat three members of Congress like that, just imagine how they can treat people on the street every day, both undocumented and those who are citizens here in this country.”

Menendez, the son of former Senator Bob Menendez, described the events at the facility as intimidation tactics employed by ICE. He conveyed his concern over their practices, stating, “We know what ICE has been doing in our communities. We know that the president lied and that this administration lies every day when they say they’re going after criminals. It’s not true.”

Activists have been demanding access to the facility, arguing that the new owner, the GEO Group, is unlawfully restricting inspections. Coleman highlighted these grievances on social media before the events unfolded, stating, “We’re at Delaney Hall, an ICE prison in Newark that opened without permission from the city and in violation of local ordinances. We’ve heard stories of what it’s like in other ICE prisons. We’re exercising our oversight authority to see for ourselves.”

McIver added that the lack of transparency surrounding ICE operations at the facility is unacceptable, declaring that people deserve dignity and accountability.

The detention center currently houses individuals with serious criminal charges, including alleged murderers, MS-13 gang members, and child rapists. Baraka’s comments in a press conference earlier in the week highlighted his belief that GEO Group is operating without accountability, paralleling their actions with the current presidential administration’s disregard for legal boundaries.

A lawsuit issued by the City of Newark on April 1 charges the GEO Group with preventing safety inspectors from entering and violating city construction codes. This lawsuit claims that renovations occurred without proper oversight.

In Defense of their operations, the Department of Homeland Security refuted allegations around Delaney Hall’s permits. They asserted, “We have valid permits and inspections from plumbing, electricity to fire codes has been cleared.”

Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Max Bacall.