NEWARK, NJ — May 9, 2025 — In a dramatic and fast-moving turn of events Friday afternoon, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside of Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey’s largest city. The arrest came during what began as a peaceful protest and oversight visit alongside members of Congress.
Baraka, a prominent Democratic figure and 2025 gubernatorial hopeful, was among a group of elected officials who gathered at the ICE facility to protest its presence and operation—one that many claim violates local ordinances and lacks city approval.
Tensions Rise Outside Delaney Hall
Social media was flooded Friday afternoon with viral videos showing a tense standoff between demonstrators, lawmakers, and federal agents. In the footage, Mayor Baraka is seen speaking with federal authorities before being handcuffed and taken into custody by agents from Homeland Security Investigations.
According to interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, Baraka was warned multiple times to leave the premises but refused, prompting his arrest. “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings… He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state,” Habba posted on social media shortly after the arrest. “No one is above the law.”
Oversight Visit Turns Into Standoff
Baraka was not alone in his protest. Members of Congress, including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. Rob Menendez, and Rep. LaMonica McIver, were on site to conduct an oversight visit and to demand transparency surrounding conditions at the privately run ICE detention center.
“We’re at Delaney Hall, an ICE prison in Newark that opened without permission from the city and in violation of local ordinances,” Rep. Watson Coleman posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re exercising our oversight authority to see for ourselves.”
Rep. McIver echoed the sentiment: “As congressional members, we have the power to conduct oversight. That’s what we’re here to do.”
Governor Murphy Responds Swiftly
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a strong statement just after 5:00 p.m., expressing deep concern over Baraka’s arrest.
“I am outraged by the unjust arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka earlier this afternoon outside of Delaney Hall in Newark,” Murphy posted. “I am calling for his immediate release by federal law enforcement.”
Murphy’s reaction underscores the growing tensions between state and federal officials over immigration enforcement policies, especially in cities that have adopted sanctuary policies.
Community Reaction & Political Ramifications
Baraka’s arrest has sparked immediate backlash from community activists and Democratic leaders across New Jersey. But the incident has also drawn sharp criticism from Republican officials, who supported U.S. Attorney Habba’s decision to prosecute. Some GOP leaders accused Baraka of using the incident to gain political clout ahead of his gubernatorial campaign.
Despite the polarized response, one thing is clear: the debate over Delaney Hall and ICE’s operations in Newark is far from over.
Why This Matters for New Jersey
Delaney Hall has been the center of controversy since ICE began using the facility to detain undocumented immigrants, reportedly without following municipal protocols. The city of Newark has taken a firm stance against unauthorized federal use of local facilities for immigration enforcement.
Mayor Baraka’s arrest not only amplifies the urgency of that debate but may also serve as a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing discussions around immigration, public oversight, and civil disobedience in the face of federal power.
Stay with Explore New Jersey for continued coverage on this developing story. We’ll bring you the latest updates as they unfold.