Mayor Ras Baraka said some Newark police officers appeared “over aggressive” during a confrontation outside Delaney Hall and could face consequences following an internal investigation.
NEWARK — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said officers who acted improperly during a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility will be held accountable, citing concerns that some members of the Newark Police Division appeared “over aggressive” during the June 7 incident.
At the Newark Police Department, the lashings will continue until morale improves.
In a statement released Monday, Baraka said Newark police responded after being called to the facility amid reports that demonstrators were blocking access to the entrance. The mayor argued that security responsibilities should have remained with the facility’s operator rather than local law enforcement.
Key Points
• Mayor Ras Baraka said some Newark police officers appeared “over aggressive” during the Delaney Hall incident.
• Baraka said an internal investigation is underway and officers who violated department standards should be held accountable.
• The mayor questioned why Newark police were called to the facility and said responsibility for security rests with Delaney Hall’s operator.
According to Baraka, Delaney Hall operator GEO Group is responsible for maintaining secure access to the facility and ensuring employee ingress and egress. He said requiring Newark police officers to assume those duties places an unnecessary burden on the department and strains city resources.
The mayor stated that Newark police responded to a call involving individuals he described as “provocateurs” who were blocking access to the facility.
Mayor cites concerns about police conduct
Baraka said he was encouraged by the ongoing police investigation because it appeared that some officers may have used excessive force during the incident.
“It appeared that some of our officers were over aggressive and should be held accountable,” Baraka said in the statement.
The mayor added that Newark officers must continue to uphold professional standards required under the city’s federal consent decree and warned that conduct falling short of those expectations could undermine public trust.
Focus returns to detainees and families
Baraka also urged residents and demonstrators not to lose sight of concerns surrounding individuals being held at Delaney Hall and their families.
“We must also return our focus to what matters most — the detainees at Delaney Hall, their families, and the injustices they are facing,” Baraka said.
The mayor said actions by either demonstrators or law enforcement that distract from those issues risk diverting attention from the purpose of the protests.
Investigation continues
Baraka expressed hope that future demonstrations at Delaney Hall would remain peaceful while emphasizing that anyone who engaged in unlawful conduct should be held responsible.
The Newark Police Division has not publicly released findings from its review of the June 7 incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
