CAIR-NJ Condemns Detention of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Demands Immediate Release

(NEWARK, NJ – 5/9/2025) – The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) condemns the detention of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka today at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center and demands his immediate release.

READ MORE: New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka arrested at ICE facility  – POLITICO

Baraka was taken into custody Friday while protesting the facility's reopening, citing unresolved permit issues and safety concerns. The detention center, owned by the GEO Group under a $1 billion, 15-year contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), began housing detainees on May 1. Baraka has opposed the center, asserting that it lacks necessary city approvals and violates constitutional due process rights.

“Mayor Baraka's detention is an affront to free speech and the right to protest,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “His actions were in defense of the Constitution and the rights of immigrants. We stand in solidarity with him and demand his immediate release.

“The Delaney Hall facility has long raised serious legal and ethical concerns, including its lack of proper municipal approvals and transparency. No facility that deprives people of their liberty should be allowed to operate in violation of local laws and without community oversight. Mayor Baraka was standing up for lawful governance, and for that, he should be commended— not criminalized.”

READ MORE: Immigration detention center Delaney Hall reopens in Newark as lawmakers demand answers – ABC News

Baraka was taken into custody days after he slammed the prison’s owner. During a news conference at Newark City Hall, the mayor said the detention center began holding detainees, despite a pending lawsuit about compliance with permits, certificate of occupancy and inspection. The city's lawsuit also says the company has failed to allow inspectors inside the facility.

Interim US Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba confirmed on X that Baraka was taken into custody Friday after committing what she described as trespassing.

CAIR-NJ calls on federal authorities to respect the First Amendment rights of all individuals and urges the immediate release of Mayor Baraka. We also call for a full investigation into the conditions at Delaney Hall and the legality of its operations.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

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