Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was detained by federal agents on May 9, 2025, during a protest outside Delaney Hall, a recently reopened Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The demonstration, which included members of Congress and local activists, centered on opposition to the center’s operation under a private contractor amid ongoing concerns over federal immigration policy.
Baraka, a candidate in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, attempted to accompany U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver on a scheduled visit to the facility. The lawmakers were ultimately allowed inside for their official inspection. Baraka, however, was stopped at the gate, told he could not proceed with them, and shortly after was arrested by federal personnel following a confrontation near the entrance.
City officials argue that Delaney Hall lacks a valid certificate of occupancy and that its reopening bypassed local permitting processes. The facility is now run by GEO Group under a federal contract estimated at $1 billion over 15 years.
Witnesses at the scene, including members of local immigrant rights groups, described the moment as tense. According to accounts from protest organizers, Baraka had moved back to the public side of the perimeter before agents moved in. Videos posted to social media showed pushing and shouting as law enforcement advanced through the crowd. One clip appeared to show masked officers surrounding Baraka as others shouted for them to stop.
Federal authorities later stated that Baraka ignored orders to leave and was interfering with operations as a detainee bus approached. Representatives involved in the oversight visit disputed that account, saying their presence was lawful and that the mayor had not crossed any restricted line when he was taken into custody.
Baraka was held for several hours and released later in the day. Outside the facility, supporters rallied and called for his release. He addressed the crowd upon exiting, maintaining that he acted within his rights and that his arrest was unjustified.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew Platkin criticized the response by federal agents, calling the arrest troubling. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim also expressed concern, urging federal agencies to ensure peaceful handling of protests and respect for civil liberties.
Baraka is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 15 for a preliminary hearing. The event has reignited debate over the role of private contractors in immigration enforcement and the balance between local authority and federal operations.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license and was created by Lorie Shaull.
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