Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested Friday after protesting the opening of a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center operated by GEO Group. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Baraka trespassed and ignored multiple warnings to leave the Delaney Hall facility, which is adjacent to a county jail.
Baraka had attempted to join a facility tour with Democratic Reps. Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, but was denied entry. Activist Viri Martinez said a confrontation escalated when agents allegedly shoved the congresswomen and threw an organizer to the ground before arresting Baraka and placing him in an unmarked car.
Baraka, a Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, has vocally opposed the center, citing lack of permits and transparency. He previously sued GEO Group after the Trump administration announced a $1 billion, 15-year contract for the 1,000-bed facility.
Federal officials have not confirmed if charges will be filed. The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Sources
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
