A political firestorm has erupted in New Jersey after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside a federal immigration facility — and now several Democratic lawmakers could face charges for allegedly assaulting ICE officers during the chaos. The Biden administration is silent, while Trump officials call it a “shocking breach of the law.”
ICE Facility Showdown Turns Violent
The confrontation unfolded outside the ICE detention facility in Newark, where Mayor Baraka and three Democratic members of Congress — Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman — attempted an unannounced inspection. Homeland Security officials say the group forced their way into restricted areas, sparking a violent clash.
According to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, bodycam footage shows Democratic lawmakers “body-slamming a female ICE officer” and physically obstructing law enforcement. “There will likely be more arrests coming,” she warned. Baraka was detained on federal trespassing charges and later released without bond.
Lawmakers Cry “Oversight,” ICE Says “Assault”
The lawmakers, for their part, deny all wrongdoing and insist they were conducting lawful congressional oversight. “We have the right to inspect these facilities without notice,” Rep. Menendez stated defiantly. They claim Baraka was denied entry, but their own access was lawful — and they accuse ICE of manufacturing assault claims to cover up their own misconduct.
Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and taken into custody for trespassing at an ICE detention facility. Three Democratic members of Congress also stormed the gates, demanding to be allowed to conduct an “oversight visit." pic.twitter.com/BPnHl2ryTh
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 9, 2025
Mayor Baraka, fresh out of custody, slammed the administration, saying he was “exercising my right and duty as an elected official.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has rallied behind the accused, demanding ICE identify the agents involved and release all footage. But acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba made it clear: “No one is above the law.”
Immigration Battle Heats Up
This is just the latest clash between progressive city leaders and federal immigration officials under Trump’s leadership. The Newark facility — already under fire in a city lawsuit — has become a lightning rod for sanctuary city activists and far-left lawmakers pushing open-border policies.
Ras Baraka, the Democratic mayor of Newark and a candidate for New Jersey governor, was arrested today outside an ICE facility.
He and two members of Congress had been protesting the opening of Delaney Hall. pic.twitter.com/DLunrrDWoH
— The Recount (@therecount) May 9, 2025
As the investigation unfolds and possible federal charges loom over sitting members of Congress, the stakes are high. With the 2024 election season intensifying, this confrontation highlights the deep divide between law-and-order immigration enforcement and radical progressive resistance. Trump allies are calling for swift justice — and voters across America are watching what comes next.
Sources:
Trump administration threatens arrests of N.J. Democratic lawmakers over ICE incident
New Jersey mayor arrested in protest at migrant centre
DHS spokesperson: More Dem arrests are ‘on the table’ after ICE facility scrum – POLITICO