Tensions escalated at a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, as three Democratic lawmakers clashed with authorities, leading to the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The incident occurred at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where the lawmakers—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez, and LaMonica McIver—were reportedly involved in a confrontation with law enforcement officers. The Trump administration has suggested that the lawmakers could face criminal charges following the altercation. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson stated that additional arrests were likely, citing body camera footage that allegedly shows members of Congress assaulting ICE officers, including an accusation of body slamming a female officer. The video of the incident was shared on social media by the DHS, where it was accompanied by a statement denouncing assaults against law enforcement officers.
In response, the lawmakers strongly denied the claims made by DHS. Menendez accused the administration of spreading false information, stating that as members of Congress, they had a legal right to conduct oversight at DHS facilities without prior notice. Watson Coleman also refuted the assault accusations, calling them absurd and arguing that DHS was attempting to cover up the actions of its agents, who she claimed were out of line. The altercation reportedly began after the lawmakers had entered the facility and later returned to speak with Mayor Baraka, at which point ICE agents allegedly started pushing them.
The DHS, however, dismissed these claims, accusing the lawmakers of staging a “bizarre political stunt” and asserting that they could not break into detention facilities illegally. The agency also stated that the situation was evolving, suggesting the possibility of further legal actions. Baraka, who is running for governor of New Jersey, was charged with trespassing after allegedly ignoring multiple warnings from DHS officials to leave the ICE detention center. He was released without bond later that evening. The confrontation has sparked heated debate, with both sides accusing the other of misconduct during the incident.
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