ARRESTED – State’s Mayor Taken Down!

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by ICE officers during a protest at Delaney Hall Detention Center while Democrat politicians allegedly stormed the facility, leading to a federal investigation that could result in assault charges against multiple elected officials.

At a Glance

  • Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing during a protest at the Delaney Hall Detention Center
  • Three Democratic congressional representatives – LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez – were present and allegedly engaged in physical confrontations with ICE officers
  • Department of Homeland Security is reviewing body camera footage and considering assault charges against the politicians
  • DHS spokesperson accused the politicians of seeking “15 minutes of fame” at the expense of law enforcement safety
  • Democratic senators and representatives have demanded Baraka’s immediate release, while Republicans have criticized the protesters’ actions

Mayor Arrested During Immigration Facility Protest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing outside the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark during what began as a protest against the facility. The incident occurred as Baraka and several Democratic congressional representatives, including Robert Menendez Jr., LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, conducted what they described as an oversight visit of the immigration detention facility. The demonstration was part of ongoing protests against the Trump administration’s decision to reopen the facility for immigrant detention.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Baraka ignored multiple warnings to leave the property before his arrest. However, video evidence appears to show the mayor outside the gates of the facility when taken into custody, leading many Democratic politicians to question the legitimacy of the trespassing charge. Baraka was later released without bond to a supportive crowd that included public officials and a socialist NYC mayoral candidate.

Federal Investigation Weighs Assault Charges

The Department of Homeland Security has launched a serious investigation into the incident, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin indicating that congressional representatives could face assault charges. According to DHS, body camera footage allegedly shows members of Congress assaulting ICE enforcement officers during the confrontation. McLaughlin specifically mentioned footage of one representative “body slamming a female ICE officer,” though this claim has been vigorously disputed by the politicians involved.

“We know that the [Newark mayor], we know these members of Congress want their 15 minutes of fame so desperately, but they’re willing to do it at the peril of the safety of our great law enforcement and even the detainees as well,” said Tricia McLaughlin. 

Video from the scene shows confrontations between the politicians and ICE agents, with Representative McIver allegedly elbowing her way past security. The representatives have offered a completely different account, claiming that ICE officers initiated physical contact and escalated the situation unnecessarily. Watson Coleman’s spokesperson has directly accused McLaughlin of lying about the incident, claiming the footage shows ICE agents initiated contact with the representatives.

Political Reactions Divide Along Party Lines

Democratic politicians have rallied around Baraka and the congressional representatives involved. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker both called for Baraka’s immediate release, with Booker criticizing law enforcement for failing to de-escalate the situation. Governor Phil Murphy and other Democratic gubernatorial candidates also condemned the arrest. Representative Mikie Sherrill specifically criticized the Trump administration’s decision to reopen the detention facility.

“Mayor Baraka’s arrest was shocking — and he should be released immediately. I called ICE leadership who relayed that the mayor was arrested for trespassing. However, video clearly shows the mayor outside the gates of Delaney Hall facility when he was arrested. I’ve reached out to DHS Secretary directly and am in touch with the members of Congress who conducted the oversight inspection.” , U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., wrote on X.

In contrast, Republicans including Jack Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea criticized Baraka’s actions and the protest as a whole. DHS officials have emphasized that elected officials are not above the law, with McLaughlin stating, “These members of Congress, this mayor and these protesters are not above the law.” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin clarified that no state or local law enforcement were involved in Baraka’s arrest, as the detention facility falls under federal jurisdiction.

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