Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at Immigration Detention Center, Declares Innocence

Mayor Baraka's Arrest and Defiance

• 🚨 Mayor Ras Baraka states he was held for five hours, had his mug shot taken, and was fingerprinted following an incident at Delaney Hall.
• 🗣️ Despite the arrest, Baraka remains adamant he did nothing wrong, asserting the decision to arrest and humiliate him was made by authorities.
• 📹 Body camera footage shows federal agents pushing and pulling Baraka, who claims he was invited into the facility and was on the public side of the gate when the incident occurred.

Allegations and Counterclaims

• ⚖️ The interim US attorney for New Jersey alleges Baraka disregarded the law and trespassed.
• 📣 In contrast, the assistant secretary of homeland security labeled the event a "political stunt".
• 🏛️ Baraka counters that he did not force entry, unlike actions seen at the Capitol, and was invited into the facility.

Purpose of Visit and Support

• 🔍 Baraka, along with three members of Congress, was at Delaney Hall to conduct oversight of the facility.
• 🏢 The mayor claims the facility, owned by The GEO Group, lacks proper permits to house undocumented immigrants. -🤝 Opponents in the New Jersey gubernatorial race have shown support for Baraka, calling his treatment unacceptable and stating that silencing one will not silence all.

Legal Status

• 📄 Mayor Baraka is currently charged with trespassing.
• 🚫 As of the report, no federal charges have been filed against him.