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Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested this Friday at a detention center of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a protest against that newly opened ICE facility.
The spokesperson for the political campaign, one of the six main Democratic candidates competing in the gubernatorial primaries, commented that he was unaware of what crime the mayor was being accused of.
In a post on social network X, Alina Habba, former lawyer for Trump who now serves as interim federal prosecutor for the district of New Jersey, confirmed Baraka's arrest and charged him with breaking and entering.
"The mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to leave the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, this afternoon. He has voluntarily chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. No one is above the law," wrote Habba.
Members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation were also present at the ICE detention center, Delaney Hall, at the time of the mayor's arrest.
Bonnie Watson Coleman, Democratic congresswoman from New Jersey, stated that they spoke out against that center, "which opened without the city's permission and in violation of local ordinances".
"We have heard stories about what it's like in other ICE prisons. We are exercising our supervisory authority to see it for ourselves," he wrote on X.
The Department of Homeland Security denied on social media that they lacked the necessary permits and stated that the detainees at that location are "the worst of the worst."
"The Delaney Hall Detention Center houses MS-13 gang members, terrorists, sex offenders, and THE WORST OF THE WORST! This sanctuary legislators' scheme jeopardizes the safety of our law enforcement officers and the detainees," they stated.
The detention of Baraka occurs amidst an escalation of Trump's immigration policies and growing concerns about the conditions in which migrants are housed in ICE shelters.
Recently, reports have emerged of immigrant deaths while in ICE custody at Processing Service Centers, such as the one in Krome North, in South Florida.
Hello, there has been concern generated due to inadequate medical care and the critical conditions in which the detainees are found.
Between December and April, four people died in these centers, accounting for half of all deaths in ICE custody in the fiscal year 2025. Autopsy reports and medical experts suggest that some of these deaths could have been prevented with more timely and appropriate medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka and Immigration Policies in the U.S.
Why was Mayor Ras Baraka arrested in downtown ICE?
The mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, was arrested for alleged trespassing during a protest at an ICE detention center. He ignored multiple warnings from authorities to leave the area, which led to his detention by law enforcement.
What are the current conditions in ICE detention centers?
The conditions in ICE detention centers have faced criticism due to inadequate medical care and overcrowding. There have been reports of immigrant deaths in custody, raising concerns about the conditions in which detainees are held.
What measures is the Trump administration taking regarding immigration?
The administration of Donald Trump has intensified immigration policies, including the construction of more detention centers and conducting raids on churches and schools. There are plans to use military bases to house undocumented immigrants, which has raised criticism and legal concerns.
How does the collaboration of cities with ICE affect local communities?
The collaboration of cities with ICE, as seen in some areas of Florida, has instilled fear among immigrant communities due to potential racial profiling and human rights violations. The agreements allow local forces to act as immigration agents, which has been criticized by human rights advocates.
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