Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has publicly disputed interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba‘s characterization of his arrest on Friday at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
As reported by Newsweek, Baraka, who is also a Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, was taken into custody on Friday, amid demonstrations against the facility’s reopening.
Newsweek previously reached out to Baraka’s office via email for comment, along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Why It Matters
Habba, a former personal attorney to President Donald Trump and interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post confirming reports of Baraka’s arrest: “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon. 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.”
Habba’s post has since received more than 2.1 million views.
What To Know
In response, Baraka appeared on CNN’s The Source With Kaitlan Collins, refuting Habba’s claims.
“The reality is Alina Habba wasn’t there; the U.S. attorney wasn’t there. She doesn’t know what happened,” Baraka said.
“Clearly, that is not the context of what happened. I was there for over an hour in that space, and nobody ever told me to move … not a single person, not an officer from ICE, not any of the security guards, nobody told me to leave that place.”
“Somebody from Homeland Security came in the end and began to escalate the situation, and we wind up being where we are today, and that’s, frankly, the extent of it,” Baraka added.
“I was there as the mayor of the city exercising my right and duty as an elected official, supporting our Congress people, preparing for a press conference,” Baraka continued. “I did not enter that place unlawfully; I did not break any laws, so all of that is incorrect. So, she was not there, so she should get some better information.”
The interview was shared on various social-media accounts, including the X account of Acyn, senior digital editor for American progressive media company MeidasTouch, which has since been viewed over 225,000 times.
As previously reported by Newsweek, Baraka and other lawmakers were seen outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center, on Friday, urging federal officials to allow them inside to observe conditions.
There have been ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and the role of private detention facilities in New Jersey. Delaney Hall, operated by GEO Group, has faced criticism for allegedly operating without proper city permits, a claim disputed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Baraka posted about the center on social media throughout the week, and him showing up and demanding entry.
What People Are Saying
Baraka stated on his X account on Wednesday, before his arrest: “The City of Newark will continue to uphold its responsibility to protect the well-being and rights of all who call Newark, and this nation, home.
“We will keep demanding entry into Delaney Hall and we will fight wherever we must to ensure no one is denied their right to safety or protection under the constitution.”
Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy posted on his X account on Friday: “Relieved to see Mayor Baraka released from federal custody, but the bottom line is he never should have been detained in the first place.”
Republican candidate for New Jersey governor Bill Spadea posted on X: “We were just live over on Facebook talking about @rasjbaraka foolish stunt from earlier today. Politicians like Ras and @Jack4NJ [New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli] play dangerous games and put our community at risk. It’s time to end Jack’s handouts and it’s time for New Jersey to start cooperating with @realDonaldTrump to stop illegal immigration.”
What Happens Next
In a Monday press conference, Baraka said the city is suing GEO Group for alleged inspection violations.
As legal proceedings unfold, Baraka will likely remain steadfast in his opposition to the facility and continue advocating for immigrant rights and challenging federal immigration policies he deems unjust.
The post Ras Baraka Blasts Alina Habba After Arrest: ‘Get Better Information’ appeared first on Newsweek.
