Newark, New Jersey, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested last week for trespassing during a protest at a federal immigration facility.
Despite federal authorities breaking in at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark on Friday, Baraka denied that he had done something wrong.
He doubled his claim that he did nothing wrong during a debate on Monday in the Democratic candidates in the New Jersey Open Competition.
"We didn't interfere with federal law enforcement," Baraka said early in the debate. "We didn't go there to protest. We actually went there to have a press conference. Congress would have oversight. They started oversight. It was escalated by the Department of Homeland Security. They were arrested because they got a call.
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Baraka's arrest occurred during a protest at Delaney Hall, which three members of Congress, who said they were present in Congress-stipulated oversight duties related to federal detention facilities. The three lawmakers were outside the facility with a group of protesters when the gates opened to allow ice buses to allow. According to DHS officials, lawmakers then rushed into the door and went through security.
The arrests were due to the fact that activists have been calling for use for several days, a privately operated facility that was converted into an immigration detention facility this year.
"We are not going to be anything incorrect. We ask them to comply with our laws," Baraka said after the incident. "Abide by the policies and rules of the city and New Jersey and not to do a rough approach to the U.S. Constitution, the Human Rights Act, the Fourth, Fifth, 14th Amendment, and the soil where due process should be available."
Mayor of Newark speaks after release from HSI facility
Newark, New Jersey, mayor Ras Baraka spoke in the May 12, 2025 Democratic gubernatorial primary election. (Steve Hockstein/NJ) Pre-media via AP, pool)
During the debate Monday night, other gubernatorial candidates were asked whether they thought Baraka’s strategy was “effective”, his approach was “effective”, and whether they would do things differently. While all candidates have been harsh in the issue in most cases, choosing to tout their kindness in support of immigration and challenge President Donald Trump, some have indeed expressed their support for Baraka.
"I'm not saying I'm going to do something different," said Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a fourth-time Democrat who represents the state's 11th Congressional District. "I don't think the mayor is breaking in. While talking to my congressional colleagues, he was invited in. They asked him to leave, leave, and then be arrested."
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, left and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka discussed the issue in the New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial primary on May 12, 2025. (Steve Hockstein/NJ) Pre-media via AP, pool)
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"Russ did nothing wrong," said Steve Fluop, the mayor of Jersey City, in a direct response to the host's question about whether they agree with Baraka's strategy.
The remaining candidates did not directly answer the questions before the host turned to the next topic.