According to Fox News, Newark’s mayor got handcuffed, and Democrat lawmakers played gatecrashers at an ICE facility—what a way to spend a Friday!
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a top Democratic gubernatorial candidate, was arrested for trespassing at ICE’s Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, while three New Jersey Democratic congressmen—Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver barged through security gates, only to be stopped at the first checkpoint.
Baraka, released hours later, claimed, “We didn’t do anything wrong.” Sorry, Mr. Mayor, but trespassing isn’t a free pass, even for political stunts.
The congressional trio exploited an opening gate meant for an ICE bus, bypassing security, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Actions have consequences, folks, and storming a federal facility isn’t a casual Friday outing.
Outside, a noisy crowd, including lawmakers, chanted and banged on the gate, demanding Baraka’s release. Theatrics don’t change facts: you can’t just waltz into a secure facility holding alleged killers, MS-13 gang members, and child rapists.
Rep. Menendez Jr. called ICE’s response “an act of intimidation.” Intimidation? Try enforcing the law against lawmakers acting like they’re above it.
Baraka doubled down, saying, “We ask them to obey our laws.” Ironic, considering he and his congressional pals ignored federal security protocols to make a point.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who signed a law banning private immigration detention centers four years ago, called Baraka’s arrest “outrageous.” Murphy’s law doesn’t apply when Democrats break rules.
A lawsuit filed April 1 by Newark alleges that GEO Group, the facility’s new owner, violated city construction codes and blocked safety inspectors. DHS counters that all permits for plumbing, electricity, and fire codes are valid—sounds like Newark’s grasping at straws.
Delaney Hall houses serious offenders, including Chinchilla Caballero, a known MS-13 member arrested April 29. Yet, activists and politicians demand unrestricted access, claiming GEO Group prevents lawful inspections.
Rep. Watson Coleman declared, “ICE is out of control.” Maybe, but storming a facility with dangerous detainees isn’t exactly keeping things under control either. Sen. Cory Booker called Baraka’s arrest “disturbing” and “unnecessary.” It is disturbing to watch elected officials prioritize political grandstanding over public safety.
Baraka accused GEO Group of running “roughshod over the Constitution.” Pot, meet kettle—breaking into a federal facility isn’t exactly a constitutional scholar’s move.
Rep. McIver whined, “If they can treat three members of Congress like that, imagine how they treat people on the street.” Imagine how citizens feel when lawmakers act like rules don’t apply to them.
White House spokesman Kush Desai nailed it: “Democrats are prioritizing the welfare of illegal aliens over American citizens.” When you’re breaking laws to protest law enforcement, maybe it’s time to rethink your priorities.
