NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A detention facility for immigrants in New Jersey has become a focal point of conflict between three Democratic congressmembers and the Trump administration following
the apprehension of Newark’s mayor
initiate a scrum outside the facility.
Federal prosecutors charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing after agents arrested him outside the fence of the
Delaney Hall detention center
On Friday, the acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey stated that Baraka, a Democratic candidate for governor, disregarded advisories to depart when he visited the 1,000-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility along with three members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
The situation culminated in a short yet intense standoff in the parking area involving lawmakers and federal officers, with several individuals wearing protective face coverings. Spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, alleged that Baraka was engaging in “political maneuvering” and mentioned over the weekend that investigations are still underway, suggesting further measures might follow.
The trio of Congressmembers — Representatives LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Robert Menendez Jr. — have charged federal authorities with intensifying the scenario through the arrest of the mayor.
Here’s what to know:
What was the reason for Congress members being present at the location?
The representatives have said they went to the facility to inspect it as a matter of congressional oversight.
“We were able to get in, speak to detainees, check out the facilities, and make sure everything was OK there,” Rep. Watson Coleman told CNN in an interview Sunday that also included her two New Jersey colleagues. “We were there almost two hours before the confrontation took place, but ICE kept giving us the run-around and kept saying that they needed to talk to someone else.”
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security stated that legislators did not request a visit to Delany Hall, and the department would have arranged such a tour if requested. A spokesperson for Watson Coleman, Ned Cooper, mentioned that the three representatives visited without prior notice as their intention was to examine the building rather than join an organized tour.
What led to the arrest of the mayor of Newark?
Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, stated on the social media platform X that Baraka was taken into custody following allegations against the mayor.
entered the detention facility without permission
She claimed that he disregarded alerts to evacuate the premises, an allegation he refutes.
Baraka was detained, processed, and let go within the same day. He mentioned that he has a court hearing set for Thursday.
In footage examined by The Associated Press, a government agent wearing a jacket emblazoned with the Homeland Security Investigations insignia is heard informing Baraka that he couldn’t access the premises as “you’re not a congressman.” According to the videos, following his return to the protest area outside the building’s main entrance, he was taken into custody.
Baraka, who is campaigning to take over from the term-limited Governor Phil Murphy, has opposed the opening of the center, pointing to problems with construction permits. This facility, situated in an industrial area near Newark Bay, began operations on May 1.
What is the Newark detention facility, and what reasons have led to its increased coverage in media?
Delaney Hall is a two-story structure located adjacent to a county jail in Newark Bay. It previously functioned as a halfway house. In February, Immigration and Customs Enforcement disclosed an agreement with the GEO Group worth approximately $1 billion over a span of 15 years for managing the facility. This contract stands out due to both its scale and length. Representatives from GEO referenced this substantial financial opportunity when communicating with potential investors.
A capacity of 1,000 beds is notably aligned with President Donald Trump’s objectives to increase detention facilities across the U.S., extending well past the earlier limit of 41,000 beds into states like New Jersey and Michigan among others.
100,000 beds
.
Democrats like Baraka have objected to the facility’s opening. As mayor, Baraka filed a lawsuit to prevent the detention center from opening, claiming it had not met all construction criteria.
The department has stated that the facility holds all necessary permits and has undergone the required inspections.
The Associated Press
