Newark, New Jersey — Tensions escalated during a confrontation between Democratic lawmakers and federal authorities at an immigration detention center, resulting in the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. This incident transpired at Delaney Hall, highlighting a growing clash over immigration enforcement policies.
On May 9, 2025, Mayor Baraka, who is currently campaigning for governor, faced charges related to trespassing after he was apprehended outside the facility. Authorities suggest that other arrests may follow. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, indicated that video footage captured the lawmakers allegedly engaging in physical altercations with ICE officers, including a reported incident of an officer being body slammed.
The lawmakers involved—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver—disputed the government’s account of events. Menendez characterized the allegations as fabrications intended to mislead the public. “As Members of Congress, we have a legal right to conduct oversight at any DHS facility without prior notice,” he asserted, condemning the situation as unprecedented and alarming for the community.
In her response, McLaughlin dismissed the Democrats’ actions as a “bizarre political stunt,” emphasizing that lawmakers are not exempt from the law and cannot illegally enter detention centers. She noted that the situation remained fluid, suggesting potential for further legal consequences.
Following the altercation, video footage showed a chaotic scene as lawmakers and supporters confronted law enforcement near a security gate. Coleman reported that tensions flared when ICE agents physically pushed back against them after they exited the facility to address Baraka.
Amid the unfolding events, Alina Habba, the acting federal prosecutor for New Jersey, commented on the legal implications surrounding the incident but refrained from discussing potential future actions. Baraka’s charges stem from an alleged refusal to heed multiple warnings from DHS officials regarding his presence at the site.
Video recordings of the incident have raised questions about the interactions between lawmakers advocating for immigrant rights and federal authorities tasked with enforcing immigration laws. As this story develops, local and national observers will be watching closely to see its impact on Baraka’s political aspirations and broader debates over immigration policy in the United States.
