Newark Mayor Arrested on Trespassing Charges at ICE Facility Amid Gubernatorial Race
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, was arrested on trespassing charges at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The incident occurred on Friday when Baraka allegedly ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security officials to leave the site. Alina Habba, interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, indicated that Baraka "has willingly chosen to disregard the law," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Images from Baraka’s office show him being escorted by law enforcement agents with his hands restrained. As of the latest updates, he remains in custody. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his support for Baraka, calling him an "exemplary public servant" and urging federal authorities to release him immediately.
The arrest coincided with a visit by several Democratic members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who were conducting oversight at the ICE facility. Coleman remarked on social media that they were protesting the facility’s operations, which they claim opened without the city’s approval and in violation of local ordinances. Accompanied by Reps. LaMonica McIver and Rob Menendez, the lawmakers faced considerable challenges accessing the detention center amidst ongoing legal discussions with officials.
Baraka is facing off against five other major Democratic candidates in the gubernatorial primary set for June 10. As this story continues to develop, it highlights the increasingly complex intersection of immigration policy and state governance.
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