Mayor Arrested at Immigration Center Protest: Bodycam Footage Released

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested During Protest Against Immigration Center Newark, NJ – On May 9th, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested during a protest against the opening of a new federal immigration detention center. The arrest was captured on body camera footage released by the Department of Homeland Security. The video shows Mayor Baraka and several members of Congress engaging in a protest at the center's entrance. Law enforcement officers repeatedly warned the group to leave the property. After the group briefly retreated, Mayor Baraka was taken into custody and handcuffed. "It's outrageous that peaceful protesters are being arrested for exercising their First Amendment rights," stated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a recent interview. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that an investigation is underway and that members of Congress who participated in the protest may face charges. The incident has sparked outrage among Democrats and renewed the debate surrounding immigration policy and the rights of protesters. The release of the body camera footage provides a clear visual record of the events leading up to Mayor Baraka's arrest.