When federal immigration agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on May 9. He was attempting to visit the recently reopened Delaney Hall immigrant detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. The arrest happened right outside the facility’s gates, after which Baraka was slapped with a federal trespassing, a misdemeanor, charge.
Portside produced this video outside the facility as Baraka waited for U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez to emerge from the facility. That’s when law enforcement arrested him. He had crossed through the gate and been inside for more than an hour before federal agents took action. The mayor was then promptly cuffed and taken into an unmarked vehicle for transport.
In an official answer, filed after the suit, Baraka said he believed all along that his actions were legal.
“I didn’t go there to break any laws, I didn’t break any laws.” – Ras Baraka
The arrest is significant not only due to Baraka’s position as mayor but because he is currently running for governor of New Jersey. His opposition to the reopening of Delaney Hall, which houses 1,000 beds for detainees, has been a central theme in his campaign. Baraka has repeatedly claimed that the facility has violated city building and occupancy permits.
At a press conference announcing the arrest, Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba discussed the case. She reiterated that Baraka lost multiple notices of eviction from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), pleading with the community to vacate.
“He has willingly chosen to disregard the law,” – Alina Habba
Habba called Baraka’s actions “very serious,” and reinforced that no one is above the law by announcing the unusual criminal indictment against him.
“That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,” – Alina Habba
No sooner than Baraka’s arrest went out, political heavyweights responded. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shared that outrage, deeming the arrest “disgraceful.” He assured that such actions deepen the atmosphere of fear and insecurity within communities.
U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, who was at the rally and witnessed the arrest, condemned the arrest. She blasted it as “despicable” and encouraged citizens to share their outrage.
“What we see here is despicable and we all should be angry,” – LaMonica McIver
Other lawmakers pushed the arrest’s negative impact on community relations and public safety. Nationally, U.S. Senator Cory Booker condemned the tactics followed by federal agents. He called them “disturbing” and noted that they are symptomatic of a greater crisis endangering public safety.
“This incident is disturbing, unnecessary and indicative of tactics that are undermining the safety and security of our communities, not adding to it,” – Cory Booker
Baraka’s apprehension brings to light critical questions about immigration enforcement policies in New Jersey and the political consequences that should ensue. Critics argue that incidents like this could deter community members from engaging with law enforcement or seeking assistance due to fears of legal repercussions.
After his arrest, Baraka was released about five hours later, later in the evening. Even amidst numerous legal challenges against him, he is undeterred in his continued opposition to the operations of the Delaney Hall facility.
Baraka’s political career It’s too soon to tell how much this incident will hurt Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign and overall political future.
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