A confrontation erupted outside a New Jersey immigration detention facility following the arrest of the mayor of Newark, which has heightened tensions between the Trump administration and three Democratic members of Congress.
After authorities detained Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, outside the fence of the Delaney Hall detention center on Friday, federal prosecutors charged him with trespassing. Three members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation were present at the 1,000-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility when Baraka, a Democrat vying for governor, disregarded demands to go, according to the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
Members of Congress and federal agents—some of whom were wearing masks—engaged in a short but tense altercation in the parking lot after the arrest. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, has stated that Baraka is engaging in “political games” and that an investigation is now underway, with more measures potentially being implemented.
The three lawmakers, LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Robert Menendez Jr., have claimed that the mayor’s detention by federal authorities escalated the situation.
Important information:
What was the purpose of the congressmen’s visit to the site?
As part of their legislative supervision, the members reportedly traveled to the site to do an inspection.
Along with her two New Jersey colleagues, Rep. Watson Coleman told CNN on Sunday that they were able to visit the facility, meet with inmates, and ensure that everything was well. “Despite our presence nearly two hours prior to the confrontation, ICE repeatedly avoided giving us the straight story, claiming they needed to see someone else.”
The Department of Homeland Security would have gladly arranged a tour of Delaney Hall if the legislators had requested one, according to officials from the department. According to Ned Cooper, a spokeswoman for Watson Coleman, the three congressmen showed up unannounced because they intended to do an inspection rather than a prearranged tour.
What led to the arrest of Newark’s mayor?
On the social networking site X, Alina Habba—the acting US attorney for New Jersey—said that Baraka was taken into custody following allegations that the mayor had trespassed into the prison. He has refuted her accusations that he disregarded her orders to vacate the premises.
The same day that Baraka was detained, he was booked and released. He mentioned that he is expected to make a court appearance on Thursday.
A federal officer wearing a Homeland Security Investigations logoed jacket told Baraka he could not access the facility because “you are not a congress member.” This audio and video footage was reviewed by The Associated Press. Upon his return to the facility’s public side of the gate, where the demonstrators had congregated, he was apprehended, as shown in the video.
Baraka, who is seeking to replace Phil Murphy, who is serving a term limit, has spoken out against the center’s opening, citing problems with building permits. The building, which has been there since May 1, is situated along a commercial section of Newark Bay.
Why has this correctional facility in Newark been in the news, and what is it?
A two-story structure next to a Newark Bay county jail, Delaney Hall formerly served as a halfway house. The GEO Group and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inked a $1 billion, 15-year contract for the prison facility in February. In their communications with investors, GEO executives highlighted the deal’s magnitude and length as reasons why it is a substantial income producer.
President Trump has pledged to increase the number of beds available for detention in the United States from 41,000 in states like New Jersey and Michigan to 100,000, and the 1,000-bed capacity is a major step in that direction.
The opening of the facility has been opposed by Democrats, including Baraka. Because it hadn’t met all construction standards, Baraka sued as mayor to prevent the detention center from opening.
DHS has confirmed that the facility has all necessary permits and has successfully completed all inspections.