May 11th, 2025 

North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America condemn in the harshest terms the abduction of Mayor Baraka by DHS and the brutalization of activists on the scene by ICE thugs. 

Friday afternoon, Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark was arrested by DHS Agents and held in federal custody for the so-called crime of entering Delaney Hall detention center. Baraka has been campaigning for months to shut down the private prison for both human rights and local safety code infractions and has been a vocal advocate at protests outside the facility. Despite his authority as the mayor of Newark, federal authorities have refused at every turn to comply with legal proceedings and requests for compliance from state authorities. Thankfully, after several hours in custody and a mounting protest by local political and immigrant rights groups, Mayor Baraka was released without charge. 

Trump and his cowardly lackeys like Alina Habba and Tom Homan are trying to terrorize migrant workers for their own political gain. The blatant disregard for due process and basic human rights exhibited in this incident is endemic to the entire immigration enforcement apparatus and forced displacement campaign currently underway. 

We are grateful for Baraka’s release, but remain steadfast in our demand that all detainees in ICE custody everywhere are freed, all detention centers are closed, and ICE, DHS, and CBP are abolished. 

It remains the democratic and moral responsibility of socialists everywhere to oppose broken immigration systems, upheld by both major political parties, that systematically strip vulnerable populations of their rights and freedoms. 

New Jerseyans have time and time again stood up to the federal government’s draconian deportation campaigns. For all those who are disgusted and outraged at this grotesque injustice, who want to defend our communities against ICE, who want to be a part of the struggle for justice and democracy, join us!  North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America will continue the fight to free the working class from oppression in all its manifestations. We hope you join us in this vital struggle. 

FREE THEM ALL 

ABOLISH ICE!