Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at an ICE facility in a chaotic confrontation that has led to threats of additional arrests against New Jersey Democratic lawmakers who allegedly stormed the detention center.
Quick Takes
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on federal trespassing charges after refusing to leave an ICE detention facility in Newark.
- The Department of Homeland Security claims Democratic lawmakers assaulted ICE officers, including “body-slamming a female ICE officer,” and warns more arrests may follow.
- U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman were involved in the confrontation but claim they were exercising lawful congressional oversight.
- DHS alleges lawmakers stormed a gate and broke into the detention center, while lawmakers deny these allegations and accuse DHS of lying.
- The incident highlights growing tensions between local Democratic officials and federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Mayor Arrested as Tensions Erupt at ICE Facility
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on federal trespassing charges after joining Democratic members of Congress at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Baraka “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings” to leave the property. The mayor was released without bond after spending approximately five hours in custody. If convicted, trespassing carries a potential penalty of up to 30 days in prison and a $500 fine.
U.S. Representatives Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman were also present during the incident. While the lawmakers were allowed inside the facility, Baraka was not. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials allege that the congressional delegation and protestors forced their way into the facility, leading to a physical confrontation with ICE officers. The lawmakers vehemently deny these claims, maintaining they were exercising their legitimate oversight authority.
Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and taken into custody for trespassing at an ICE detention facility. Three Democratic members of Congress also stormed the gates, demanding to be allowed to conduct an “oversight visit." pic.twitter.com/BPnHl2ryTh
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 9, 2025
Conflicting Accounts of the Confrontation
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin made serious allegations about the lawmakers’ conduct during the incident. “We actually have body camera footage of these members of Congress assaulting these ICE enforcement officers, including body-slamming a female ICE officer,” McLaughlin said. She further warned, “There will likely be more arrests coming,” indicating an ongoing investigation into the events that transpired at the facility.
The lawmakers present a starkly different version of events. Rep. Menendez asserted, “We have the right to conduct oversight on an unannounced basis,” rejecting the characterization that they had stormed the facility. After his release, Mayor Baraka defended his actions, stating he was “exercising my right and duty as an elected official.” The congressional members claim that ICE officers were the aggressors, and they have called for the identification of the agents involved in the altercation.
Political Fallout and Support
The incident has generated significant political reaction along party lines. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed support for the New Jersey lawmakers. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he was “outraged” by Baraka’s arrest, and State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the rights to free speech and assembly. Democratic gubernatorial candidates have also spoken out against the mayor’s arrest, framing it as an attack on legitimate oversight.
The Trump administration and its allies have firmly stood behind the actions of ICE officers and the arrest of Mayor Baraka. Acting U.S. Attorney Habba emphasized that “no one is above the law” regardless of their position or title. The administration maintains that the lawmakers and mayor interfered with federal immigration enforcement activities and potentially put officers at risk during what they characterize as an unlawful entry into the facility.
Ongoing Detention Facility Controversy
The confrontation occurs against a backdrop of ongoing disputes regarding the Newark detention facility. The city of Newark had previously filed a lawsuit against the facility, alleging improper permits and blocked inspections. This latest incident represents an escalation in the confrontation between local officials who oppose current immigration enforcement procedures and federal entities tasked with implementing federal immigration laws.
As investigations continue, federal officials indicate that body camera footage will play a crucial role in determining whether additional charges will be filed against the congressional representatives. The incident highlights the intensifying conflict over immigration policy enforcement during the current administration, with elected officials now directly confronting federal agencies over detention practices in their districts.
Sources:
Trump administration threatens arrests of N.J. Democratic lawmakers over ICE incident
New Jersey mayor arrested in protest at migrant centre
DHS spokesperson: More Dem arrests are ‘on the table’ after ICE facility scrum
