Overview
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on May 9 for federal trespassing after joining three Democratic representatives during an oversight visit to the Delaney Hall ICE facility.
- DHS alleges that body camera footage shows the lawmakers assaulting ICE officers, including claims of body-slamming, which the representatives strongly deny.
- The representatives assert their visit was a lawful exercise of congressional oversight rights, calling for the release of unedited body camera footage to clarify events.
- DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that further arrests are under consideration as the department continues its investigation into the lawmakers' actions.
- The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Democratic leaders, who accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing law enforcement to intimidate critics.