New Jersey mayor arrested at ICE detention center where he was protesting, prosecutor says
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Newark Mayor Arrested at ICE Facility During Congressional Visit
Above: Ras Baraka walks past ICE agents during a protest near the Elizabeth, New Jersey, facility on May 7, 2025. Image copyright: Timothy A. Clary/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Baraka's arrest is a disturbing overreach of federal power and intimidation tactics against local officials exercising legitimate oversight. The detention center opened without municipal permits, violating local ordinances and state law banning private immigration facilities. Federal agents unnecessarily escalated the situation by arresting a mayor — and leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey — conducting his duty to ensure facility compliance with city regulations.
Republican narrative
Baraka ignored repeated warnings and trespassed on federal property after being told he was not part of the official congressional tour, endangering officers and detainees. The facility is fully permitted and operates legally under federal authority. Yet, while officials grandstand, New Jerseyans — who already pay some of the highest taxes in the country — are left footing the bill for illegal immigration enabled by failed sanctuary policies. Besides, as Democrats were quick to point out during Trump's indictments: no one is above the law.