Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested on May 10, 2025, while visiting the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.

The facility has recently begun housing migrants detained by ICE.

Baraka was part of a group that included members of New Jersey's congressional delegation, who were touring the facility out of concerns regarding its operation.

The U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, stated via social media that Baraka committed trespassing and disregarded multiple warnings to leave the premises.

Habba emphasized that his actions were unlawful and reiterated that no individual is above the law.

Following his initial court appearance, Baraka was charged with one count of trespassing and subsequently released.

In a statement after his release, Baraka addressed supporters, asserting that the incident highlighted broader issues concerning immigration policies in the United States.

He claimed he was present to support the congressional delegation and asserted that no one had asked him to leave during his time at Delaney Hall.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed outrage regarding the arrest, stating that Baraka and other advocates had protested against the private immigration detention center's opening.

Governor Murphy highlighted that he had previously signed a law banning private immigration facilities and that the state was actively defending this law in court.

Baraka and several lawmakers have raised concerns about the legality and safety of the 1,000-bed facility, alleging that the private firm operating the center had failed to secure appropriate permits and was not fully inspected by local authorities.

However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refuted these allegations, asserting that the facility had complied with all necessary regulations.

The DHS reported that the incident escalated when some congressional members allegedly attempted to gain unauthorized access to the facility, leading to security concerns.

In response to Baraka’s arrest, Congress members Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman characterized it as an act of intimidation directed at both the mayor and the public.

Witnesses claimed that Baraka was arrested while standing on public property, with numerous ICE officers present.

Both Menendez and Watson Coleman criticized the federal response, suggesting that it was disproportionate and aimed at stifling dissent regarding the treatment of immigrants.

During a social media update, Watson Coleman defended their actions, stating their intention was to exercise oversight authority and to raise awareness of conditions at the facility, declaring that the facility’s operation needed to be scrutinized thoroughly.

Meanwhile, DHS continued to maintain that safety protocols were in place and that the situation at Delaney Hall was being managed appropriately.