April Ryan
Viral ICE Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
As members of Congress looked on, Mayor Baraka was taken into custody by ICE—an act that has galvanized supporters and reignited debate over federal immigration tactics.
Social media is still abuzz after the optics of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest at the Delaney Hall immigration facility in Newark, New Jersey, Friday.
Rachel Noerdlinger, communications strategist for the Ras Baraka gubernatorial campaign, posted on Instagram, “One way or another, we’re going to get democracy back.”
On Instagram, many people have expressed how appealing and “infuriating” it was to watch the viral moment of congressional leaders locking arms and holding down the mayor of Newark, New Jersey. The attempts to stave off an arrest were unsuccessful.
New Jersey congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman said she and the congressional leaders working to protect the mayor from arrest were “roughed up.” They were there to view the new facility.
According to reports in The New York Times, congressional leaders were differentiated from the mayor. “Congressmen are different, congresswomen are different,” a Homeland Security Investigations agent told the mayor. We also hear the agent sternly add, “That is the last warning.” You will be placed under arrest.”
Mr. Baraka was forcefully taken into ICE custody and charged with trespassing. He was transported and held at another Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark for five hours before his release.
Greg Meeks, New York representative and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, “He is the Mayor of Newark doing his job along with members of Congress. The rest of the democratic world is wondering what has happened to the United States.”
Democrats inside and outside the state of New Jersey believe this focus on Mayor Baraka’s arrest has raised attention to ICE behavior. “A Black mayor is standing in full solidarity with South American migrants who have rights not just in this country but as human beings,” added Noerdlinger.
Yesterday’s viral moment also raised attention to Ras Baraka and his political prowess, including his run for governor of New Jersey. Noerdlinger emphasizes, “Ras Baraka became the face of the opposition to Donald Trump’s inhumane policies the second federal law enforcement slapped those handcuffs on his wrists.”
