Newark’s Mayor, Ras Baraka, recently found himself in federal court grappling with trespassing charges linked to a protest at the newly established Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. During the proceedings, Baraka publicly criticized federal prosecutors, claiming their actions were designed to “humiliate” him.

Background on the Incident

Baraka’s legal troubles stem from his arrest during a demonstration aimed at entering the Delaney Hall facility, which is managed by the private prison operator, Geo Group. The protest included notable figures, such as U.S. Representatives Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, who were also present in an attempt to enter the facility.

Throughout the protest, Baraka stated that he remained on public property. However, video footage captured the moment when ICE agents denied him entry, resulting in his arrest.

The mayor has been charged under a statute that could result in a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail. His legal representatives have raised questions about the jurisdictional aspects of the arrest, asserting potential selective prosecution as Baraka was the only individual taken into custody during the event.

Government’s Position

During the court hearings, Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Demanovich conveyed the government’s assertion that Baraka’s actions were unlawful. Although Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba did not comment during the session, her office maintains that the mayor violated legal statutes through his conduct at the protest.

In contrast, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the incident, labeling it a “spectacle” and calling for potential disciplinary actions against the involved Democratic representatives, such as censure or removal from House committees.

Court Proceedings and Baraka’s Response

The initial court session, overseen by Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa, centered on procedural scheduling for the case, but confusion arose regarding the processing of Baraka after his arrest. Despite stating he had already undergone initial processing, the judge clarified that he needed to comply with additional steps involving the U.S. Marshals Service.

Frustrated by what he perceived as an effort to demean him, Baraka complied but voiced his dissatisfaction to his supporters outside the courthouse. He reiterated that his actions were lawful and grounded in defending constitutional rights, stating, “They’re trying their best to humiliate and degrade me as much as they possibly can. We did not violate any laws.”