Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested, Released Protesting ICE Detention Center

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by federal agents while protesting the opening of a federally contracted ICE detention center operated by the private company Geo Group. Baraka, a Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, challenged the facility's legitimacy, citing it lacked proper permits, and argued that as mayor he had the right to inspect the site along with three Democratic members of Congress. Federal officials charged Baraka with trespassing, stating he ignored warnings to leave the secure area, but Baraka denied wrongdoing and claimed he was targeted specifically for arrest. After several hours in custody, he was released and reiterated his support for immigrant communities and opposition to the detention center's operation. The incident sparked criticism of federal authorities by Baraka and his supporters, who viewed the arrest as an attempt to intimidate political dissent against immigration enforcement policies. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors maintained that Baraka unlawfully entered restricted property, highlighting tensions over immigration enforcement and local oversight rights.