Just as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was getting arrested on Friday. In one instance, he was accused of trespassing at Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Baraka, a Democrat who is currently campaigning for governor of New Jersey, allegedly dismissed at least half a dozen alarm bells from leaders within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a result, the fire broke out at the facility.
State authorities then arrested Baraka in Georgia. Additionally, he was unable to follow the orders given by DHS supervisors at the detention facility. US attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba argued that Baraka’s actions amounted to criminal trespass. She made a point of accountability the centerpiece of her message, declaring, “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
During the raid, no less than three current U.S. House Democrats from New Jersey were present in Delaney Hall. Their participating made the day even more special. Bonnie Watson Coleman announced their arrival on social media platform X. She framed the context of systemic racism and climate changing policy at play. Kabir Moss, a spokesman for Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign, later confirmed the mayor’s arrest but did not provide additional comments.
Baraka’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC regarding the arrest. Continuing questions about the mayor’s gubernatorial campaign The incident is calling into question the mayor’s ongoing gubernatorial campaign. It would very much undermine his political aspirations in particular going forward.
The events that led to Baraka’s arrest are emblematic of the current state of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States. These local leaders have zealously defended humane treatment of all detainees and have argued for meaningful reform in the treatment of immigration detainees. At the same time, Baraka’s interventions at Delaney Hall have provoked enormous outrage and debate.