Who is the New Jersey Democrat mayor arrested at an ICE protest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been making headlines after being arrested for trespassing at an ICE holding facility in Newark. This incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about Baraka’s political stances and associations.

Baraka, who is considered a far-left progressive and one of the top Democratic candidates for New Jersey governor, was arrested by Homeland Security personnel for what the DHS described as a “beyond bizarre political stunt.” The incident took place outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, which currently houses alleged killers, MS-13 gang members, and accused child rapists.

U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba announced Baraka’s arrest, stating that he had committed trespass and ignored warnings from Homeland Security Investigations. Habba emphasized that no one is above the law and that Baraka’s actions would not be tolerated in the state.

Baraka’s campaign website outlines his vision for the state, focusing on equity as the guiding principle for decision-making. However, he has faced criticism for his associations with controversial figures, including Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Louis Farrakhan.

During his mayoral campaign in 2014, Baraka was endorsed by P. Diddy and has been seen with him on multiple occasions. Additionally, a video from 2004 shows Baraka applauding and embracing Farrakhan, a preacher known for his radical and antisemitic views.

Baraka’s arrest at the ICE facility is just the latest in a series of protests he has been involved in against its opening. He has argued that using the facility for processing individuals in the country illegally goes against state and local laws, leading to a lawsuit being filed by the city.

Members of Congress, including Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, were also involved in the incident at the ICE facility. They were held up at the first checkpoint while attempting to conduct an “oversight visit.”

The arrest has drawn mixed reactions from other politicians in the state. Democratic candidates for governor like Mikie Sherrill and Steven Fulop have condemned the arrest, calling it an outrage and a dangerous precedent. On the other hand, GOP candidate Jon Bramnick dismissed the incident as a publicity stunt, while Jack Ciattarelli criticized Baraka for prioritizing illegal immigrants over pressing issues in Newark.

In conclusion, the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has brought attention to his political activism and associations with controversial figures. The incident at the ICE facility has sparked debate among politicians in New Jersey and highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement.