Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest at a local immigration detention center has ignited an intense political firestorm just weeks before New Jersey’s Democratic primary for governor, Fox News reported.

The confrontation has spotlighted tensions over immigration enforcement, civic rights, and campaign priorities as Democratic candidates vie for leadership in the June 10 gubernatorial race.

Earlier in May 2025, a protest erupted at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility, a privately run immigration facility in Newark operated by the GEO Group. The demonstration drew local activists and some elected officials, including Baraka, who was taken into custody and charged with trespassing by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The mayor’s arrest triggered immediate reactions across the state’s political landscape and on Capitol Hill, with some viewing him as a champion of civil liberties, while others criticized him for what they say is distracting from more pressing issues in his city. Baraka later stated that he was the only protester arrested, identified, and jailed during the incident, citing concerns about his treatment and due process.

Baraka Kicked Off Support Tour After Arrest

Days after the arrest, Baraka resumed public appearances with a rally on May 13 in Newark as part of what his campaign called the “State of the People Power Tour.” The event aimed to highlight his platform of social equity, community involvement, and transparency in government. Supporters outside the federal courthouse in Newark also gathered to express frustration with what they see as aggressive immigration enforcement and the lack of oversight at private detention centers.

The GEO Group, which oversees Delaney Hall, maintains that it operates within city regulations. However, Newark city officials claim the company lacks a valid certificate of occupancy, raising questions about the legality of the facility’s operations. The conflicting claims have prompted further inquiries, with calls for increased government accountability over private detention contractors.

Federal officials have opened an investigation into the encounter. Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba is reviewing the case, which includes reports of three members of Congress also playing roles in the day’s events. The broader legal implications have made Baraka’s protest not just a campaign issue but also a legal flashpoint.

Critics Say Baraka Ignored Citywide Issues

Republican voices swiftly condemned Baraka’s involvement. Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli questioned why a city mayor would show up at a detention center housing migrants who entered unlawfully and committed crimes. He said Democratic leaders in sanctuary cities are promoting policies that contribute to illegal immigration and public safety concerns.

“He's showing up to a detention center where we're detaining illegals who've committed crimes,” Ciattarelli said, expressing confusion over the mayor’s protest participation. “I don't understand what it is exactly we're protesting.” He continued by critiquing sanctuary state policies, saying New Jersey risks national repercussions when the country’s borders are inadequately secured.

In contrast, Baraka’s campaign defended his visit. His spokesperson, Kabir Moss, insisted the mayor had not trespassed and was allowed into the building by GEO Group staff. Moss argued that Baraka was there to participate in a press event alongside lawmakers and suggested his arrest represents a broader concern over the erosion of constitutional rights.

Supporters Point to Mayor’s Accomplishments

Moss pushed back against the narrative that Baraka’s actions were politically reckless or out of touch. He cited Newark’s improving public school performance and significant crime reduction as evidence of effective leadership. The high school graduation rate is 86%. Their top-performing schools rival those in Millburn or Summit,” Moss said.

He also emphasized the mayor’s public safety record. “When Baraka became mayor, there were over 100 homicides a year - today, that number is 37. Violent crime is at its lowest point since John F. Kennedy was President,” Moss noted. These statistics, he argued, show that Baraka has delivered real progress in Newark despite critics' focus on his immigration stance.

Moss continued by saying that rather than performing a political stunt, Baraka was upholding the rights of his constituents. “He didn’t go there to get arrested; he went to join a press conference with the congress members,” he said. “If Jack Ciattarelli can’t recognize the constitutional crisis we’re in – where due process is being denied on American soil – then he’s not fit to be Governor.”

ACLU and Activists Decry Treatment of Baraka

Amol Sinha of the ACLU of New Jersey condemned how Baraka’s arrest was handled, calling it an alarming ordeal. “Anybody who cares about government accountability or free speech or the rights of Congress members and mayors to know what's going on in their communities should be outraged,” he told reporters.

Prominent activists also came to Baraka’s defense. Mysonne, co-founder of Until Freedom and a nationally recognized advocate, described the protest as an important stand against “fascism” and called on the public to support those fighting for civil rights within immigrant communities. Despite the backlash and ongoing legal scrutiny, Baraka’s campaign insists the incident reflects his commitment to people-first leadership.