Ras Baraka arrested: The Newark mayor protested at an ICE detention center and was arrested

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday during a protest at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in New Jersey, according to acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Baraka was reportedly charged with criminal trespass after refusing to leave the premises, despite multiple warnings from federal agents.

Baraka, a Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, has been a vocal opponent of the privately operated 1,000-bed facility, citing permit issues and broader concerns over immigration policy. The protest occurred as Baraka attempted to join members of the New Jersey congressional delegation during an unannounced visit to inspect the center.

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Tense standoff at ICE facility ends in arrest

According to witnesses, Baraka approached Delaney Hall alongside Representatives Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, seeking to observe the facility. When federal agents blocked entry, a heated exchange followed. Activist Viri Martinez described the scene as chaotic, with “shouting and pushing” before agents surrounded Baraka and detained him outside the facility gate.

Video shared with the Associated Press captured a Homeland Security officer informing Baraka that only congressional members were permitted access. Although Baraka stepped back to the public side of the gate, he was later handcuffed and taken into custody as demonstrators chanted in protest. ICE agents did not immediately clarify why Baraka was singled out for arrest.

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Political fallout and legal dispute over detention center

Baraka has strongly opposed the Delaney Hall expansion, particularly after ICE awarded a $1 billion, 15-year contract to GEO Group, a private prison company, to operate the facility. The deal, announced earlier this year, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader plan to increase ICE detention capacity nationwide. Baraka filed a lawsuit against GEO Group in response to the contract.

While DHS maintains the facility holds the necessary permits and passed inspections, Baraka argues it should never have been allowed to open. His arrest has added political weight to the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and private detention in New Jersey. Representatives involved in the visit, including Watson Coleman, disputed DHS claims that they "stormed" the facility, emphasizing their constitutional right to conduct oversight without prior scheduling.