NEWARK, N.J. — Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba confirmed her office is investigating possible criminal charges following Friday’s unauthorized entry into Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility in Newark, by Mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver.
Habba stated her office is working in coordination with federal partners, including Homeland Security Investigations, to determine next steps. “My office is undertaking a thorough investigation in coordination with our Federal Agency partners of what transpired on Friday at Delaney Hall,” she wrote in a statement posted to X.
“All available evidence will be thoroughly reviewed prior to making a determination on how to proceed.”
Mayor Baraka was taken into custody at the scene after refusing to leave the facility, despite multiple warnings from federal agents.
“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself,” Habba wrote, adding, “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state.”
Federal officials also said U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was observed physically confronting federal officers during the incident. A source familiar with the situation confirmed McIver was seen “pushing and shoving federal law enforcement officers while storming the New Jersey Delaney Hall facility.”
No formal charges have been announced yet.
The incident marks a rare confrontation between municipal leadership and federal immigration authorities. Delaney Hall, operated in part by ICE, holds convicted felon immigration detainees awaiting proceedings or deportation. Access to the facility is restricted and monitored by Homeland Security. Congressional delegates can request a tour in advance, but authorities said that was not the case on Friday.
Habba emphasized that her office takes the incident seriously and that legal consequences could follow. “I do not take these matters lightly,” she said in her post, signaling that possible criminal trespass and obstruction charges are being considered.