News of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest outside of a newly reopened migrant detention center made news across the country, and the controversy is set to stay on the airwaves.
A super PAC supporting Baraka’s candidacy for governor launched an ad touting the mayor’s arrest as an example of how he will challenge President Donald Trump. One New Jersey United, the PAC launching the ad buy, said it expects to spend six figures on the 30-second spot.
“Only one candidate in the race for Governor truly puts action behind his words, and that’s Mayor Ras Baraka,” One New Jersey United Chairman LaVar Young said in a release. “His arrest at the ICE facility is just the latest example of a lifetime spent standing up for what’s right, even when it means taking personal risks.”
In a filing with the Election Law Enforcement Commission, One New Jersey United said it expects to spend about $600k supporting Baraka’s candidacy. The ad features images of Democratic politicians, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while praising their ability to stand up to President Donald Trump.
Baraka had shown up at Delaney Hall to demand entry to the migrant detention center, which he argues is operating illegally. After spending some time inside the gates of the facility, officers arrested Baraka, sparking a scuffle outside the fence. Federal law enforcement charged Baraka with trespassing Friday afternoon, with interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba alleging he “ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself.” He was released Friday night after about five hours in custody.
The mayor told reporters Saturday afternoon that the basis of his arrest is invalid and politically motivated, and he released footage that appeared to show Delaney Hall officials allowing him through the facility’s gates. Federal immigration authorities in February signed a 15-year contract to use the 1,100-bed facility for about $60 million per year. The facility opened May 1, about a month ahead of initial estimates.
Transcript:
“ [Narrator] The one thing Trump can’t stand is a leader with the strength and courage to stand up to him. Ras Baraka has done it before and won. And when Ras Baraka stood up again, Trump knew he would be a threat to the MAGA agenda. The result?
[Newscaster] The mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, arrested by federal police.
[Narrator] And he’s not done standing up to Trump, standing up to MAGA, and standing up for New Jersey. Ras Baraka for governor.”