Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested for Alleged Trespass During ICE Facility Oversight Visit

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9, 2025, at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, during an oversight visit with Democratic Congress members. Federal officials allege Baraka trespassed and ignored warnings to leave. Conflicting accounts exist, with Baraka's supporters claiming he complied with requests to exit. The incident has drawn criticism from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and immigrant advocacy groups, who view the arrest as an overreaction. Delaney Hall, operated by GEO Group, has faced legal challenges from Baraka's administration over permit issues.

Arrest at Delaney Hall

Baraka, a Democrat and current gubernatorial candidate, was taken into custody at the Delaney Hall detention center, a privately operated facility contracted by ICE. According to interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba, Baraka "committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center." Habba stated on social media that Baraka "willingly chose to disregard the law" and emphasized, "No one is above the law" Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Facility.

Baraka was reportedly arrested after entering the facility with the intention of joining a congressional delegation conducting an oversight visit. The delegation included Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez. The lawmakers said they were there to inspect the facility amid concerns about its legality and conditions.

Conflicting Accounts

The circumstances surrounding Baraka’s arrest remain disputed. According to Rep. McIver, Baraka entered the facility briefly and was told by officers that he could not join the tour because he was not a member of Congress. McIver said Baraka complied and exited the secure area, but was later arrested outside the facility. “He left, out of the gate,” McIver told reporters. “They then arrested the mayor who had already left off of their property from behind the gate” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested for Alleged Trespass at ICE Facility.

Video footage shared by News12NJ and other outlets shows Baraka speaking with federal officials and later being handcuffed and led away by ICE agents. In one clip, Baraka is heard saying, “I’m not on their property, they can’t come out on the street and arrest me,” moments before being detained New Jersey mayor arrested at ICE detention center where he was protesting, prosecutor says.

Witnesses, including activist Viri Martinez of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said a heated argument broke out after Baraka was denied entry. The confrontation reportedly continued even after Baraka returned to the public side of the gate Mayor of Newark, NJ Arrested at ICE Facility.

Federal and Local Reactions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE officials have characterized the incident as a security breach. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused the group of “storming” the facility and “putting the safety of our law enforcement agents and detainees at risk.” She claimed the group entered the guard shack at the first security checkpoint without authorization Newark mayor arrested at ICE facility while joining Democrats to conduct 'oversight'.

However, Rep. Watson Coleman rejected that narrative, stating, “Contrary to a press statement put out by DHS, we did not ‘storm’ the detention center.” She emphasized that the delegation was escorted into the facility after explaining their legal authority to conduct oversight Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested for Alleged Trespass at ICE Facility.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy condemned the arrest, calling it “outrageous” and demanding Baraka’s immediate release. “Mayor Baraka is an exemplary public servant who has always stood up for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Murphy said in a statement Newark mayor arrested at ICE facility while joining Democrats to conduct 'oversight'.

Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, also criticized the arrest, calling it a “reckless and irresponsible” response to a lawful oversight effort.

Background on the Facility

Delaney Hall, the site of the arrest, is a privately operated detention center run by GEO Group under contract with ICE. The facility recently began housing migrants, prompting concern from local officials. Baraka’s administration filed a lawsuit in March to block its opening, arguing that the facility lacked proper permits and violated city ordinances Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested for Alleged Trespass at ICE Facility.

The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that the facility is properly permitted and is used to detain individuals who have committed violent crimes and lack legal status in the U.S. Newark mayor arrested at ICE facility while joining Democrats to conduct 'oversight'.

Political Context

Baraka, 55, is a prominent Democratic figure in New Jersey and a declared candidate in the 2025 gubernatorial race. He has been a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement practices, particularly under the Trump administration. In January, he condemned an ICE raid in Newark that he said was conducted without a warrant.

His campaign spokesperson, Kabir Moss, confirmed the arrest but said they were still gathering details. “We are actively monitoring and will provide more details as they become available,” Moss said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Facility.

As of Friday evening, no federal charges had been formally filed against Baraka.