By: Richard L. Smith
In the wake of his arrest at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, the Honorable Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has publicly addressed allegations that he “stormed” the facility.
The video, released by city officials and viewed by RLS Media from the incident, demonstrates a peaceful entry and exit, challenging narratives suggesting aggressive behavior. The video appeared to have been obtained from fixed surveillance cameras at the facility and was not handheld by an individual.
On May 9, Mayor Baraka accompanied U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rob Menendez Jr., and LaMonica McIver to Delaney Hall, aiming to conduct an oversight visit amid concerns about the facility’s operations and permitting status.
While the congressional members were permitted entry, Baraka, not being a federal legislator, was initially denied access. 
However, the video shows federal officials at the facility subsequently opened the gate, allowing him to enter without incident.
“I didn’t climb a fence. I didn’t kick the door down,” Baraka stated, emphasizing the non-confrontational nature of his actions. He further noted that upon being asked to leave, he did so calmly and respectfully.
Contrary to these assertions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Baraka trespassed and ignored multiple warnings to vacate the premises. Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, remarked that Baraka “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center.”
Baraka was subsequently arrested, charged with trespassing, and released later that day.
The incident has garnered significant attention, with some officials calling for further action against those involved. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin suggested that additional arrests could be forthcoming, citing allegations of physical altercations between lawmakers and ICE agents.
However, these claims have been met with skepticism.
Hon. Representative LaMonica McIver, accused of physically confronting an ICE agent, firmly denied the allegation, stating, “Absolutely no. I mean, I honestly do not know how to body slam anyone. There’s no video that supports me body slamming anyone.” Similarly, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman dismissed the accusations as baseless.
Video footage released by DHS shows a tense physical interaction between McIver and the visiting delegation. But there was no evidence of a ‘body slam’ on the video. 
Baraka is seen being escorted away without resistance, contradicting some media outlet claims of aggressive behavior.
The Delaney Hall facility, operated by private prison contractor GEO Group under a $1 billion, 15-year contract with ICE, has been a point of contention.
Mayor Baraka and other city officials have raised concerns about the facility’s compliance with local permitting and safety regulations. The city has filed a lawsuit against GEO Group, seeking to halt operations until compliance is achieved.
As the situation unfolds, Mayor Baraka remains steadfast in his position, asserting that his actions were lawful and in line with his duties as a public servant.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to address the trespassing charge.