Federal Trespassing Charge Against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Dismissed in Connection with ICE Facility Incident
In Newark, New Jersey, a federal trespassing charge against Mayor Ras Baraka related to an incident earlier this month at Delaney Hall— a privately operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility— has been dismissed.
In a statement released Monday evening, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced, “After careful consideration, we have decided to dismiss Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor trespass charge to facilitate moving forward.”
Habba added, “I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall in the interest of transparency. I will personally accompany him to demonstrate that the facility has nothing to hide from the public.”
Despite this development, charges remain against Representative LaMonica McIver, who is accused of “assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement officers.” The magistrate will determine when and how McIver should surrender, but sources indicate she is expected to do so promptly.
Expressing support, Baraka stated, “I am pleased that the U.S. Attorney has agreed to dismiss this case. I plan to continue engaging with the current U.S. Attorney to foster cooperation. Regarding Delaney Hall, I will keep advocating for the facility’s compliance with Newark’s rules and regulations and for the humane treatment of inmates.”
Baraka also commented on the charges against McIver: “Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is a dear friend, a former student of mine, a Newark native, and the former president of the Newark Council. I fully believe she will be vindicated, and I stand with her.”
Earlier this month, during an incident outside the ICE facility, Baraka and three congressional lawmakers—McIver, Robert Menendez Jr., and Bonnie Watson Coleman—were present with protesters as an ICE bus arrived. DHS officials claimed that all four officials bypassed security and entered the facility without proper authorization.
In a recent interview, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News that, “If a regular U.S. citizen attempted to storm a detention facility housing dangerous individuals, they would be arrested. Being a member of Congress or a public official does not place you above the law.”
As Baraka is also a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor, the incident has sparked significant political debate. He attended a status conference last Thursday, where it was expected that the Class C misdemeanor charges would proceed to trial. Supporters gathered outside the federal courtroom in Newark to show their backing, and U.S. Attorney Habba was present at the hearing.
