NEWARK, N.J. — A decades-old connection between Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and freshman Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has taken on new relevance after both were involved in a heated confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, now under review by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Before his career in politics, Baraka was a teacher at Newark’s Central High School — where McIver was one of his students.
The two later rose through the city’s political ranks: Baraka became principal, councilman, and eventually mayor, while McIver served as Newark City Council President before being elected to Congress.
On Friday, their paths converged again — this time during a congressional visit that turned chaotic.
Baraka was arrested for trespassing after allegedly attempting to enter a restricted section of the private facility. As a non-member of Congress, he was not authorized to join the delegation’s access level. Tensions escalated immediately following his detention, with members of the visiting group pushing through a gate in protest.
Video footage captured McIver physically engaging with an ICE officer during the scuffle. The Department of Justice has confirmed it is reviewing body camera and surveillance footage to determine whether further charges may be filed in connection with the altercation.
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The incident has raised questions about conduct during official oversight visits and the boundaries between protest and interference with federal operations.