
The Arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka: A Dangerous Precedent
On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, a private prison operated by GEO Group. Baraka attempted to join a congressional delegation’s tour to inspect conditions at the facility, which reopened under a controversial $1 billion, 15-year contract with ICE. Federal authorities claimed Baraka ignored warnings to leave, charging him with misdemeanor trespassing. Baraka, however, maintains he …