ICE Agents Cuff Newark Mayor Over Protest Standoff
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's fight against the federal immigration detention system became shockingly personal when he was handcuffed and arrested outside Delaney Hall, a new ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
This wasn't just another political statement. Baraka stood alongside members of Congress and activists, challenging a controversial facility that has divided his city and drawn national attention.
What Led to the Arrest?
According to the Associated Press, Baraka attempted to join Rep. Robert Menendez, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in inspecting the facility. Federal agents denied him entry, leading to a heated confrontation in front of protesters and the media.
Viri Martinez, an activist with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, described the moment as chaotic. Baraka had already returned to the public side of the gate when ICE agents approached. Protesters shouted "Shame!" as Baraka was handcuffed and dragged through the gate.
Adding to the controversy, video footage showed Baraka clearly standing on public property before his arrest. In the video, he told a man in a suit, "I'm not on their property. They can't come out on the street and arrest me," the AP reported. Minutes later, ICE agents swarmed him and made the arrest.
The $1 Billion Backdrop
This confrontation was about more than just one facility. Behind the spectacle is a $1 billion deal between ICE and The Geo Group, a private prison operator. The 1,000-bed Delaney Hall facility — located less than 10 miles from New York City — is now one of the largest immigration detention centers in the Northeast.
Despite its massive size, Delaney Hall has been operating at just 15% capacity since opening on May 1, 2025, housing only 152 detainees. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons explained that the agency is focused on detaining individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges. He said, "Right now, the teams out here in New York and New Jersey are focused on the worst of the worst and getting those individuals off the street," as reported by CBS News.
Baraka has been vocal in his opposition to the detention center and to the broader issue of profiting from incarceration. He argued the facility should not have opened due to permit violations and blocked safety inspections — a claim The Geo Group denies.
A Family's Claim of Targeting
Linda Baraka, the mayor's wife, accused the federal government of deliberately targeting her husband. "They didn't arrest anyone else. They didn't ask anyone else to leave. They wanted to make an example out of the mayor," she said, adding that she was not allowed to see him after his arrest, according to the AP.
The Political Ramifications
Baraka's arrest came at a politically sensitive time. He has announced his candidacy to replace New Jersey's term-limited governor, Phil Murphy. Some believe this confrontation could raise his profile, while critics argue it blurs the line between activism and responsible governance.
Meanwhile, The Geo Group expects the Delaney Hall contract to generate more than $60 million annually over the next 15 years. During an earnings call, CEO David Donahue celebrated the deal, citing increased capacity under ICE contracts from 20,000 to around 23,000 beds with the addition of Delaney Hall and another facility in Michigan.
What's Next?
Baraka has declined to discuss his case publicly, stating he promised his legal team and the judge not to comment. But his supporters remain vocal, and the fight over private detention centers like Delaney Hall shows no signs of cooling off.
For now, the mayor's supporters continue to gather outside Delaney Hall, reminding federal authorities that this fight isn't just about one man's arrest. It's about the broader debate over immigration policy and who holds the power to shape it.
References: Mayor Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, arrested at immigration detention center he has been protesting | Rare look inside new ICE detention center where Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested
