Newark, New Jersey - Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday, May 9, 2025, during a protest at a newly opened federal immigration detention center in Newark. The Democratic mayor, who is currently running for governor, was released after several hours in custody [1][2].

According to Alina Habba, interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Baraka was arrested for trespassing at Delaney Hall, a detention facility operated by private prison company Geo Group. Habba stated that the mayor 'ignored warnings from Homeland Security personnel to leave' and had 'chosen to disregard the law' [3].

Upon his release shortly after 8 p.m., Baraka addressed his supporters, stating, 'The reality is this: I didn't do anything wrong.' He refrained from discussing the details of his case, citing a promise made to lawyers and the judge [1][2].

The mayor has been a vocal opponent of the new 1,000-bed detention center, arguing against its construction and opening on the grounds of building permit issues. His arrest comes as part of his ongoing protest against the facility [1][3].

Baraka used the opportunity to express support for all community members, including immigrants. 'All of us here, every last one of us, I don't care what background you come from, what nationality, what language you speak,' he said, 'at some point we have to stop these people from causing division between us' [1][2].

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and the federal government over immigration policies. As a Democratic candidate in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, Baraka has embraced the fight against the Trump administration's stance on illegal immigration [1][2][3].

The opening of the detention center and Baraka's subsequent arrest have brought national attention to Newark's role in the broader debate on immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.