The arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Friday came as a surprise for many. He was shining a light on the newly opened Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The rapidly built facility has 1,000 beds and has been widely criticized by local leaders. They imagine it will be a big player in President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans. Baraka’s arrest came as he was helping deliver a protest – alongside his Democratic Party colleagues – to the heart of that centre.
Beyond that, Baraka is an unabashed opponent of the Trump administration’s immigration repression. In the past, he has denounced strikes such as ICE raids in Newark. Councilman Johnson wasn’t shy in expressing his vigorous opposition as he attempted to enter Delaney Hall during the protest. Like many members of Congress, he was denied entry. After this refusal, he departed the buffer zone and re-entered the protestors outside the facility’s entrance.
Arrest During Demonstration
The protest took a dramatic turn when law enforcement officials arrested Baraka, accusing him of “committed trespass and ignoring multiple warnings” to leave the premises. Alina Habba, Trump’s former personal lawyer and acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, stated, “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state.”
Eyewitnesses say Baraka was marched through the security gate in handcuffs as protesters yelled “Shame!” at police. This response to the incident has infuriated his supporters. Even more importantly, it has again proven that the fight against unjust immigration policies is still alive and well in the Heartland.
US Representative LaMonica McIver — also from Baraka’s party — publicly defended Baraka’s actions, claiming that he “did not do anything wrong.” Per McIver, Baraka had already left the premises by the time he was arrested and taken into custody. This shocking incident underlines the legality of the detention centre being called into question. Baraka alleges that it opened without the appropriate local permits and community stakeholder approval.
Political Implications
As Baraka gets ready to enter next month’s Democratic primary for governor, this arrest might be the death blow to his campaign. It underscores his commitment to addressing immigration issues and reflects his defiance against perceived injustices perpetuated by the federal government. His critics, though, will undoubtedly seize on this flight from reality to cast doubt on his judgment and overarching approach to law enforcement.
In a statement following his arrest, Baraka declared that “Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorised.” He is implacably opposed to the detention centre. This is a testament to his deeply held conviction to protect immigrants’ rights and fight for the humane treatment of immigrants.
Community Response
The rally outside Delaney Hall successfully attracted a handful of receptive lawmakers. Thousands of local community members participated, brought together by their shared interests to the Baraka. Many view the detention centre as a symbol of systemic issues within the immigration system that affect families and individuals seeking refuge in the United States.
Baraka’s actions are in harmony with a burgeoning national movement demanding just and humane immigration reform, uplifting human rights and dignity. The mayor’s willingness to confront federal policies has rallied supporters who are committed to challenging what they believe are unjust practices.
