In a dramatic turn of events, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been arrested while protesting outside the controversial Delaney Hall, a privately operated detention center designed to house up to 1,000 migrants. In a statement posted on X, attorney Gabriella Habba expressed her outrage, stating, “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state.” Habba emphasized that “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,” highlighting the legal implications surrounding the incident.
The arrest occurred as Baraka, alongside three Democratic members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver—attempted to tour the facility. Tensions escalated when federal agents clashed with demonstrators in the parking lot, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding the detention center.
Mayor Baraka has been a vocal opponent of Delaney Hall, consistently working to prevent its opening. He has accused its operator, the private prison company GEO Group, of circumventing local building permits and safety regulations. In April, the City of Newark filed a lawsuit against GEO Group, claiming that the facility operated without a valid certificate of occupancy. The company has refuted these allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as “politically motivated” in court documents.
The 15-year, $1 billion contract between GEO Group and the federal government was established earlier this year, coinciding with the Trump administration's push to expand detention capacity in the Northeast. This contract has raised significant concerns among local leaders and activists, many of whom argue that such facilities exacerbate issues related to immigration and community safety.
As Baraka campaigns to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy (D), his opposition to Delaney Hall has become a pivotal element of his platform. Earlier this week, he visited the facility demanding entry and led a rally in March advocating against its reopening. In response to Baraka's arrest, Governor Murphy condemned the act as “unjust” and called for his immediate release, stating, “Mayor Baraka is an exemplary public servant who has always stood up for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
The developments surrounding Delaney Hall and Baraka's arrest have ignited discussions about the role of private detention centers in the state and the broader implications for immigration policy. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political landscape in New Jersey.
