According to the indictment, he unlawfully entered the ICE detention facility at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey. The sequence of events followed when Baraka would not heed several verbal warnings from Homeland Security Investigations ordering him to exit the building.
Delaney Hall after renovation reopened on May 1. Yet the facility has recently become a lightning rod of local controversy as the Trump administration has sought to make it the state’s first permanent immigrant detention center. While there, it is said that Baraka was extremely outspoken about his opposition to the facility and their operations. It’s important to note that, unlike in Michigan, his actions drove a fast response from federal authorities.
A short video shared on Twitter—now called X—captures the intense moment when federal agents arrested Baraka. As they led him out in handcuffs, News 12 NJ reporter Amanda Lee was on hand to film the scene. Local outlet News 12 NJ covered the arrest extensively, focusing on what the historic event means to the local community.
Moving forward, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba posted a thread on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging what led to Baraka’s arrest. She claimed that Newark Mayor Ras Baraka committed trespass. He defied numerous Homeland Security Investigations directives to depart the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, this afternoon. He knows perfectly well that he has deliberately decided to violate the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.
Baraka’s visit to Delaney Hall would be in line with his long history of supporting immigrant rights and opposing detention centers. His innovative approach attracted the ire of federal law enforcement, leading to his arrest.
The incident has sparked discussions about the role of local leaders in advocating for immigrant rights and the limits of their actions within federal jurisdictions. As this tale continues to develop, millions of Americans are tuned in. They’re eager to see what it will mean for Baraka’s future as mayor and his continuing fight for social justice.
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