Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Accused of Trespassing by Trump Administration

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and three members of Congress were arrested last week for protesting outside Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention center. Baraka's lawyers claim the arrest was a result of "selective prosecution" by the Trump administration, which they intend to seek dismissal for. The mayor, a candidate for the Democratic nomination to replace New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, has denied violating any laws and claims they were standing up for the Constitution. Outside the courthouse, dozens of Baraka's supporters gathered, carrying signs and chanting "shame" at the U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration accused Newark Mayor Ras Baraka of "selective prosecution" for trespassing charges related to his protest outside Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention center.
• Baraka's lawyers intend to seek dismissal of the case, citing a lack of authority for the federal agents who arrested him to detain him on public property.
• The arrest has sparked outrage from Democratic members of Congress and mayors from around the country, who condemn the Trump administration's "prosecutorial overreach."
• Delaney Hall has been the center of controversy since the Trump administration announced a contract with a private prison company to reopen the complex to house undocumented immigrants.
• The GEO Group, which owns and operates Delaney Hall, claims to be proud of its work in supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "law enforcement mission" and has stated that it has supported seven different presidential administrations.
• Members of Congress and mayors have accused the Trump administration of using the immigration detention center as a means of intimidating those who stand up for their communities.
• Baraka's arrest has become a flash point in the wider pushback to President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration agenda.

Statistics:

• Up to 1000 people can be held at Delaney Hall at any given time [1].
• The GEO Group has stated that it has supported seven different presidential administrations in its "innovative support service solutions" [2].
• Delaney Hall has been the center of controversy since the Trump administration announced a contract with a private prison company to reopen the complex in February [3].

Sources:

[1] Delaware Hall, a privately run detention center, can hold up to 1,000 people at any given time, according to the text.

[2] The GEO Group stated that it has supported seven different presidential administrations in its statement to The Washington Post.

[3] Delaney Hall has been the center of controversy since the Trump administration announced a contract with a private prison company to reopen the complex in February, according to the text.