Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was released from custody on Friday evening after being arrested at a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The mayor had been protesting the opening of the facility and faced accusations of trespassing and ignoring warnings to leave.
Baraka spent several hours in custody before being released around 8 p.m. He stepped out of an SUV with flashing emergency lights and addressed waiting supporters. He stated, "The reality is this: I didn’t do anything wrong." The mayor declined to comment further on his case, citing a promise made to lawyers and the judge.
Support for Immigrants
Baraka expressed strong support for everyone living in his community, including immigrants. He emphasized that all residents deserve respect, regardless of their immigration status. Many undocumented individuals live among them without committing crimes or breaking laws other than crossing borders illegally while seeking asylum.
He highlighted that these individuals should be protected under international law as refugees fleeing persecution due to various reasons, including:
- Race
- Religion
- Political opinion
- National origin
- Membership in ethnic groups or social classes
Context of the Arrest
The arrest occurs amid growing tensions over immigration policy between President Joe Biden’s administration and some Democratic lawmakers who have criticized his handling of border crossings. In recent months, there has been an increase in migrants attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico by land rather than through official ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In response to criticism from Democrats over his handling of border crossings, Biden stated he would not take executive action unilaterally. Instead, he would work with Congress on legislation aimed at addressing the "root causes" driving migration northward from Central America, such as:
- Poverty
- Lack of access to education
- Healthcare
- Food and water insecurity
- Housing and shelter issues
- Safety concerns
- Climate change
- Violence and corruption
Conclusion
This article is based on current events and may require updates as more information becomes available.
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