NEWARK, NJ — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after allegedly committing trespass and defying multiple warnings from federal authorities to vacate the ICE detention center in Newark, according to statements from Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba.
Baraka reportedly entered the federal facility without authorization and refused to leave when ordered. Homeland Security Investigations issued repeated directives for the mayor to remove himself from the premises, which he allegedly ignored.
“He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,” attorney Alina Habba said in a public statement.
The incident unfolded at the ICE processing center located within city limits, where the mayor had made an unannounced visit earlier in the day. Officials have not released details about the purpose of Baraka’s presence at the facility or whether his visit was connected to any ongoing city or immigration matters.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the charges Baraka may face following the arrest. As of Thursday evening, no formal charges had been filed in state or federal court records reviewed by local outlets.
Key points
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested for trespassing at ICE detention center.
- Homeland Security says Baraka ignored multiple removal warnings.
- Attorney Alina Habba: “No one is above the law.”
Federal-state tensions escalate in Newark
Baraka, a Democrat and outspoken critic of federal immigration enforcement practices, has previously clashed with federal authorities over sanctuary city policies and immigrant protections in Newark.
This is the first time in his tenure that Baraka has been arrested in connection to any action involving federal law enforcement. City officials have not issued a statement in response to Thursday’s events.