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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was taken into custody Friday at Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed immigration detention facility run by the Geo Group. Baraka had joined fellow protesters and members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation in opposing the center’s opening. He was released shortly after 8 p.m., emerging from an unmarked SUV to declare, “The reality is this: I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Baraka, who is running to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy, has led Newark’s fight against the facility, citing unresolved building permit issues. He has positioned himself as a defender of all residents—immigrants included—and decried federal policies that sow division in communities.

Conflicting Accounts of the Arrest

The circumstances of Baraka’s arrest remain disputed:

• Federal View: Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said on X that Baraka trespassed and ignored warnings from Homeland Security personnel to leave the public side of the gate.
• Video Evidence: Footage shows Baraka speaking through the gate when ICE agents stormed the public area, handcuffed him, and led him away.

Witnesses described a tense standoff after lawmakers attempted to enter the facility:

“There was yelling and pushing,” said activist Viri Martinez. “Officers swarmed Baraka, threw one organizer to the ground, and put him in handcuffs.”

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Lawmakers’ Oversight Claim

Reps. Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman say they sought to inspect the facility under congressional oversight—without prior notice.

• Watson Coleman’s Statement: Her spokesperson Ned Cooper said they entered legally between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to examine conditions.
• DHS Rebuttal: A department statement accused protesters, including lawmakers, of “storming the gate” as a detainee bus arrived and claimed they were “holed up in a guard shack.”

Watson Coleman called the DHS portrayal “inaccurate,” noting the agency miscounted representatives present and wrongly characterized the visit as a forced entry.

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Community and Political Reaction

News of the mayor’s arrest sparked immediate backlash:

• Linda Baraka (Mayor’s Wife): “They wanted to make an example out of the mayor,” she said, adding she was barred from seeing him.
• Supporters: Chanting “Let the mayor go!” a crowd gathered outside Delaney Hall.
• Civil Rights Leaders: Several advocates condemned the arrest during what they described as a peaceful protest.
• Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin: No state or local law enforcement’re involved and criticized the federal action.

Rep. Menendez accused ICE of intimidation. He emphasized that members of Congress have the right to oversee DHS facilities. And called the arrest an attempt to impede that authority.

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Baraka’s Stand on Unity and Immigration

After his release, Baraka reiterated his message of solidarity. “All of us here—no matter our background, nationality, or language. We must stand together.” He praised the bravery of those who joined him in protest. And vowed to continue fighting policies that divide Newark’s diverse population.

🚨 Stay with TNN for ongoing coverage of ras baraka, Newark’s political landscape, and national immigration policy debates. We’ll bring you the latest updates, expert analysis. And all the developments from Delaney Hall and beyond.