Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and several Democratic lawmakers were arrested on Friday for trespassing at a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The protest targeted the opening of the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, which has drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups and local officials.

According to Interim US Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, the group was repeatedly warned by Homeland Security Investigations to vacate the premises. "The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, this afternoon," Habba announced on X. "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."

The demonstration was part of a broader movement opposing the Biden administration’s expansion of immigration detention centers, which many activists say exacerbates hardships for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants. Protesters held signs and chanted slogans calling for the shutdown of ICE facilities nationwide.

Mayor Baraka, known for his outspoken stance on social justice issues, has been a vocal critic of federal immigration enforcement policies. His arrest, alongside lawmakers, has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with supporters praising their civil disobedience and critics demanding strict enforcement of federal laws.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided details on the charges or the timeline for legal proceedings. Observers note that the incident is likely to intensify national debate over immigration policy, local-federal relations, and the boundaries of protest in the United States.