Newark mayor, new jersey candidate for governor ras baraka arrested after refusing to leave ice facility

Newark mayor, New Jersey candidate for governor Ras Baraka arrested after refusing to leave ICE facility

Posted by
1 min read
May 9, 2025
Newark’s top official taken into custody in rare standoff with federal immigration authorities.

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.

https:// /amandaleetv/status/1920919030505894223

“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.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss