Newark Mayor Reenters ICE Detention Center Just Days After His Arrest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka returned to Delaney Hall on Tuesday morning, four days later than he had left. arrest outside the gates of the detention center.

Once again, the mayor was turned away, unable to get even within 20 feet or so of the facility’s main gate, where a cordon of eight armed ICE officers in cammoflage fatigues, a pair of SUVs and temporary yellow Jersey barriers prevented him from getting any closer.

“Now they won’t even let us close to the gate,” Baraka said.

After staying outside for approximately thirty minutes, Baraka departed from the premises following a conversation between City Business Administrator Eric Pennington and the manager of the facility managed by the GEO Group. This private corporation owns and runs the center through an agreement with ICE.

Pennington mentioned that Manager Lee Tatum informed him he needed to consult with others regarding the mayor's entry and would subsequently get back to him.

Baraka, scheduled to appear in federal court on Thursday regarding trespassing allegations, mentioned that he was uncertain if he would face arrest again on Tuesday but expressed indifference towards the possibility.

I'm not sure what their intentions were. I understand they recognize me. They mentioned, 'There goes the mayor right there,'" Baraka stated as he departed from the location. "So, I really can't figure out what that situation was all about.

Baraka said he plans to plead not guilty to the charges.

Newark Fire Official Gwendolyn Saleem was allowed to approach the gate when she tried to serve summonses on the GEO Group for alleged violations of state fire safety laws, including refusing to permit a follow-up inspection of the site.

But no one accepted the summonses, and Saleem again fixed them to the chain link fence next to the gate, as she had done repeatedly since last week.

Baraka, a Democratic primary candidate for New Jersey governor, had gone to the facility on Friday to meet Democratic U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez , LaMonica McIver , and Bonnie Watson Coleman , who were there for a congressional oversight visit.

He was instructed to leave through the gate or face arrest, and he followed this directive as seen in a video recording of the event.

A few minutes later, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested He was positioned outside the doors of the detention facility.

Baraka faced charges of criminal trespassing and was let go approximately five hours after his arrest. The mayor stated he intends to contest these charges.

The U.S. Attorney for New Jersey on Monday said her office will initiate an inquiry along with other federal agencies, to understand what occurred.

Newark Officials returned to Delaney Hall On Monday morning, violation notices were served to the GEO Group. Baraka was absent from accompanying officials at Delaney Hall on that day.

Baraka has been against the opening of Delaney Hall and stated during a campaign event on Friday evening that he would go back to the detention center "when the time comes."

Over 100 protesters gathered, with religious leaders and group members included among them. Faith in New Jersey Faith in New York, Pax Christi members, gathered Monday outside Delaney Hall .

Two of the protestors were arrested and was accused of obstructing justice and resisting arrest, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda.

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Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com

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