New Baraka ad highlights arrest as Trump resistance

In a new campaign ad touting his ability to stand up to President Donald Trump, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka highlighted his arrest that came while seeking to access a newly reopened migrant detention center in his city.

The ad comes in four versions: English and Spanish in 15- and 30-second spots. The ad features B-roll of the mayor’s arrest, immigration raids, Trump, and the mayor speaking to constituents. The $250,000 ad buy will be on TV, digital, and Spanish radio.

Baraka is one of six Democrats seeking the party’s nomination to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.

Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba announced earlier she would drop the trespassing case against Baraka and instead charge Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark with assaulting federal police during the scuffle during Baraka’s arrest. The federal judge in Baraka’s case officially dropped the charges against Baraka and reprimanded the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more than five minutes, calling the retraction of charges “embarrassing.” 

Baraka had shown up at Delaney Hall with three Democratic members of Congress to demand entry to the migrant detention center, which he argues is operating illegally. Federal immigration authorities in February signed a 15-year contract to use the 1,100-bed facility for about $60 million per year.

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Transcript of 30-second English version:

“The Donald Trump Administration arrested Mayor Ras Baraka for standing up for the people of New Jersey.

Mayor Baraka is fighting this administration that is terrorizing working New Jersey families with illegal deportations and detentions.

There is only one candidate for Governor who’s not just talking but actually doing something to stand up to Trump.

When he’s Governor – He won’t be afraid of a fight and will show up for us. It’s time to fight back and elect Ras Baraka.”