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    Newark Mayor Ras Baraka denies trespassing at US immigration center after arrest

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    Newark Mayor Ras Baraka denied trespassing at a newly opened federal immigration detention center following his arrest Friday during a confrontation with federal agents. Baraka, who is campaigning for governor, was taken into custody outside the Delaney Hall facility, where he had joined a protest and attempted to accompany three members of Congress seeking to inspect the site.

    Baraka insisted he was on public property and had been invited to a press conference when arrested, stating, “No one else arrested, I was invited in then they arrested me on the sidewalk.” He was released several hours later.

    Federal officials allege Baraka ignored orders to leave and trespassed on the private facility, operated by Geo Group under a USD 1 billion, 15-year contract with ICE. The Department of Homeland Security said protesters—including Reps. Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman attempted to “storm” the gate as a detainee bus arrived.

    Video footage, however, shows Baraka on the public side of the gate when ICE agents approached and arrested him, drawing criticism from activists and observers who say he was targeted. Witnesses described a heated exchange followed by federal officers swarming Baraka and taking him away in an unmarked vehicle.

    Baraka has opposed the facility, arguing it lacks proper permits and represents a troubling expansion of federal immigration enforcement. The center, which began operations on May 1, is expected to generate USD 60 million annually for Geo Group.

    Congressional members involved denied storming the facility and said their presence was part of their legal oversight role. “We did not ‘storm’ anything,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “We’ve conducted inspections before without issue.”

    The incident has escalated tensions between local officials and the federal government amid broader debates over immigration and detention policy.

    (With input from the Associated Press)

    Published By:

    Aashish Vashistha

    Published On:

    May 11, 2025



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