Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on Friday after he and two other Democrats entered the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The incident occurred as a bus carrying individuals, reportedly undocumented immigrants, was arriving at the facility. Baraka claimed he was acting in support of the rule of law, but his actions drew sharp criticism from Tom Homan, the former Border Czar under the Trump administration.
Homan responded to Baraka’s actions during an appearance on Fox News, where he called the mayor "not very smart." He emphasized that the facility is designed to ensure due process for individuals detained there. Homan explained that the process includes potential hearings and decisions about whether individuals should be sent back to their home countries.
During the press conference following his arrest, Baraka defended his actions by stating that everyone deserves due process under the law. He criticized the current immigration enforcement policies and argued against what he sees as violations of constitutional rights.
Homan, however, countered Baraka’s claims, stating that unauthorized entry into the facility jeopardizes the safety of everyone involved, including the public and the individuals being detained. He asserted that the actions of the mayor and his colleagues were politically motivated, aimed at opposing immigration enforcement.
Baraka has been a vocal opponent of ICE and has protested against the facility since it opened. He is currently campaigning to become New Jersey’s next governor, which adds a political dimension to his actions.
The incident has sparked a debate about immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of public officials in addressing these issues.