Newark Mayor Baraka Denies Arrest Claims at ICE Protest

🏛️ What Happened at Delaney Hall?

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, was briefly taken into custody on Friday during a protest at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark. The demonstration was aimed at opposing the facility’s controversial reopening.

Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba — formerly a personal attorney for Donald Trump — stated on social media that Baraka trespassed and ignored warnings from Homeland Security officials.

Her post on X (formerly Twitter) read:

“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings… NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
The post has since gone viral, gaining over 2.1 million views.

📺 Baraka Responds: "I Didn't Break Any Law"

Baraka quickly addressed the situation on CNN’s The Source With Kaitlan Collins, disputing Habba’s account.

🗣️ Key points from Baraka's interview:

• "Alina Habba wasn’t there. She doesn’t know what happened."

• "I was in that space for over an hour. No one told me to leave."

• "A Homeland Security officer escalated the situation at the end."

• "I did not enter unlawfully. I broke no laws."

He emphasized that he was there in his official capacity, preparing for a press conference alongside other elected officials.

📍 Background: Why Delaney Hall is Controversial

Delaney Hall, run by the GEO Group, has drawn backlash for operating allegedly without proper city permits — a claim disputed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Baraka and several lawmakers had been demanding access to the facility to inspect the conditions inside, citing concerns over transparency and detainee rights.

📲 Baraka had been posting about Delaney Hall throughout the week, calling for accountability and transparency from federal authorities.

🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders

Here’s how political figures responded to Baraka’s brief detention:

✅ Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ):

"Relieved to see Mayor Baraka released from federal custody. He never should have been detained."

❌ Bill Spadea (R), Gubernatorial Candidate:

"Ras Baraka’s stunt was reckless. Politicians like him are putting our communities at risk. Time to cooperate with Trump to stop illegal immigration."

Baraka, however, remains undeterred. On social media, he declared:

"We will keep demanding entry into Delaney Hall and fight to protect everyone’s constitutional rights."

⚖️ Legal Battle: City Sues GEO Group

In a Monday press conference, Baraka revealed that the City of Newark is suing GEO Group for alleged inspection violations tied to Delaney Hall’s operation.

He vowed to continue his advocacy for immigrant rights and to challenge what he sees as unjust federal immigration practices.

📌 What’s Next for Baraka?

As the legal situation unfolds, Baraka is expected to continue:

• Challenging GEO Group’s operations

• Pushing for transparency in immigration enforcement

• Advocating for immigrant safety and dignity

• Campaigning for governor on a pro-rights platform