Don’t Screw Around with ICE

RADICAL DEMOCRAT IS BUSTED

On Friday, a dramatic confrontation unfolded in Newark, New Jersey, as the radical left Mayor Ras Baraka, a popular Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, was arrested at an ICE detention facility. The charge: trespassing. Adding fuel to the fire, three Democratic members of Congress were involved in the same incident, claiming they were conducting an oversight visit. Federal authorities, however, described their actions as a reckless stunt that endangered everyone involved.

The incident occurred at Delaney Hall, a privately operated ICE detention center in Newark managed by the GEO Group. For months, Baraka has demanded the facility’s closure, arguing it violates city ordinances and lacks proper permits. He’s been leading protests all week, and on Friday, he escalated his campaign. According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a former Trump attorney, Baraka deliberately ignored repeated warnings from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to vacate federal property. Habba took to X with a clear message: “He chose to disregard the law. That will not be tolerated in New Jersey. He’s in custody. No one is above the law.”

The congressional trio—Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Robert Menendez Jr., all New Jersey Democrats—arrived with a group of protesters. As an ICE bus carrying detainees entered the facility, the gates opened, and the lawmakers seized the opportunity to rush past security, asserting their right to inspect the facility. DHS painted a different picture, accusing the group of “storming the gate” and barricading themselves in a guard shack at the initial checkpoint. The agency called it “beyond a bizarre political stunt” that jeopardized the safety of ICE personnel and detainees.

No shock: The unhinged lawmakers rejected the “storming” narrative. Watson Coleman posted on X: “We’re at Delaney Hall, an ICE prison that opened without city approval and in violation of local laws. We’ve heard disturbing reports about other ICE facilities, so we’re here to investigate firsthand.” 

She later accused ICE of being “out of control,” noting they waited over two hours for access. McIver claimed she and Watson Coleman were “assaulted” by ICE officers, while Menendez said he was “roughed up.” Visibly emotional, Menendez told reporters, “The president lied, and this administration lies daily when they claim they’re only targeting criminals. They act without restraint, as evidenced by arresting the mayor and manhandling members of Congress.”

Baraka attempted to join the lawmakers’ oversight tour but was denied entry. A federal officer was recorded telling him, “You’re not a member of Congress,” and ordered him to stay back. Minutes later, ICE agents still arrested him. He was transported to an ICE field office on Frelinghuysen Avenue, five miles away.

By Friday evening, an energized crowd, including additional lawmakers, gathered outside the field office, chanting and demanding Baraka’s release. Protesters accused GEO Group of evading inspections and flouting city regulations. Newark filed a lawsuit on April 1, alleging the company conducted unpermitted electrical and plumbing work and obstructed safety inspectors. Baraka has been outspoken, stating at a Monday press conference, “GEO Group is following the president’s playbook, believing they can ignore local and constitutional laws with impunity.”

DHS countered that Delaney Hall is fully compliant with all necessary permits, including plumbing, electrical, and fire codes. They emphasized the facility’s role in detaining serious offenders, citing individuals like Maximo Nunez, a 58-year-old Dominican citizen arrested May 5 with a criminal history including assault with a deadly weapon, intent to kill, and drug charges. DHS argued that such cases underscore the necessity of facilities like Delaney Hall.

Democrat Senator Cory Booker called the arrest “disturbing and unnecessary,” arguing it undermines community safety. Democrat Governor Phil Murphy expressed outrage, referencing a 2021 state law banning private immigration detention centers. Even Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson voiced support, praising Baraka’s leadership. On the other side, New Jersey Republican Chairman Bob Hugin condemned Baraka, stating, “This stunt reveals the kind of leader he’d be—one who prioritizes political grandstanding over public safety and the rule of law.”

Context is critical. 
Delaney Hall is part of President Trump’s aggressive expansion of ICE detention capacity, increasing from 41,000 beds nationwide to a significantly larger number. In February, GEO Group secured a 15-year, $1 billion contract to operate the facility, which can house over 1,000 detainees and is strategically located near Newark Liberty Airport, a key deportation hub. Operations began May 1, with GEO’s CEO projecting annual revenues of $60 million.

This clash at Delaney Hall encapsulates the broader immigration debate. Baraka and the Democrats argue they’re fighting for transparency and human rights, accusing ICE of operating without accountability. Federal authorities and Republicans counter that the lawmakers’ actions were dangerous and politically motivated. Baraka remains in custody, the Democrats are crying foul, and protests show no signs of abating. In my opinion, the Democrats are laser focused on defending gang members, illegals, and terrorists. If I was Trump, I’d find a way to deport Baraka to El Salvador.

PLEASE: TAKE TWO SECONDS and CHECK OUT MY SPONSOR FOR TODAY.  

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!

_{Links may lead to websites that pay TeamDML Inc.}