On May 9, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside Delaney Hall, a newly converted immigrant detention center, during a visit with U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez. The Trump administration had reopened Delaney Hall, transforming it from a prison into a detention facility operated by GEO Group. The incident occurred amid congressional oversight visits, where Baraka was reportedly warned multiple times by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to leave the premises.
Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba accused Baraka of trespassing and disregarding the law, declaring that no one is above the law. Meanwhile, Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security characterized the situation as a “bizarre political stunt,” asserting that the Congress members had engaged in illegal conduct by storming the facility rather than following the proper protocols for visits.
Following Baraka’s arrest, there was a scuffle that involved the Congress members as they attempted to intervene. Witness Viri Martinez, from the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, noted that after initial access was granted, tensions escalated around Baraka, leading to his handcuffing and removal in an unmarked vehicle.
Baraka, who has opposed the reopening of Delaney Hall, claims it violates local building permits, a assertion the DHS disputes. Following the arrest, Baraka was taken to a DHS field office in Newark. His campaign spokesperson indicated that the incident is part of an unfolding political narrative, especially as Baraka runs for governor of New Jersey.
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