BREAKING NEWS: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested While Protesting ICE Facility

 Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday during a protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, which recently reopened despite controversy. Baraka, who is also running for governor, was demonstrating alongside several members of Congress, including Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr., and LaMonica Mclver.

 

Federal authorities say Baraka was trespassing and failed to comply with orders to leave. However, eyewitnesses and video footage appear to show him standing on public property. Baraka was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations agents and later released after a virtual court appearance. He is scheduled to return to court on May 15.

Governor Phil Murphy and other Democratic leaders condemned the arrest, calling it unjust. New Jersey law bans private immigration detention centers, and Baraka has filed a lawsuit against GEO Group, the operator of the facility, arguing it violates state and local rules.

 

The incident has sparked renewed national debate over federal immigration enforcement and local authority. Baraka’s campaign says the arrest will not deter him from continuing to fight against what he calls “unlawful detention practices” in New Jersey.

source : North Bulletin