We have major breaking news tonight.
Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka (D) has been arrested by federal authorities under the Trump administration after a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Baraka, long known for his vocal opposition to the facility, was reportedly engaged in a peaceful protest and attempting to assert local jurisdiction over an ICE operation he claims violates city law.
Let’s be clear: if they can arrest the mayor of Newark for standing outside a detention center, they can arrest anyone. You. Me. Reporters. Protesters. Members of Congress. And, they are already threatening to arrest me. Apologies for multiple emails this half-hour, but I want to make sure you have the news first. Please consider subscribing to support my work:
Things escalated quickly.
According to eyewitness accounts and footage now circulating online, Baraka was speaking with members of Congress who were present for a scheduled visit when ICE agents blocked his access. Tensions rose. Shoving ensued. And then the unthinkable happened — a sitting mayor was placed in handcuffs by federal agents.
This isn’t just a legal dispute. This is a political statement — one that sends a chilling message to elected officials, journalists, and anyone who dares to dissent.
Alina Habba, Trump’s personal attorney and the current Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, released a statement that reads like a warning shot:
“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself... He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
That phrase — “No one is above the law” — is being weaponized here. When a mayor standing up for his constituents is treated like a criminal, what does that say about where we are as a country?
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