On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The arrest occurred during a visit by three Democratic members of Congress—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez Jr.—who were conducting an oversight inspection of the facility. Baraka, who is running for governor, attempted to join the delegation but was denied entry by federal officials. After leaving the premises, he was arrested for trespassing by Homeland Security agents. 

The Delaney Hall facility, operated by the private prison company GEO Group under a $1 billion, 15-year federal contract, has been a point of contention. Critics, including Baraka, argue that the facility lacks proper building permits and has not undergone necessary inspections. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that all requirements have been met.

Following the incident, DHS officials accused the lawmakers of instigating a confrontation and suggested that further legal actions could be taken against them. Baraka, upon his release, stated, "The reality is this: I didn't do anything wrong," and emphasized his commitment to supporting his community and ensuring compliance with local laws .

The arrest has sparked a broader debate over federal immigration enforcement and the role of local officials in oversight. Supporters of Baraka argue that his actions were in line with his duties as mayor and gubernatorial candidate, while federal authorities working under the current administration view the incident as a politically motivated stunt. The situation remains under investigation, with potential implications for the involved parties.