“This Was an Act of Intimidation”: Rep. Menendez Jr. Condemns Arrest of Newark Mayor

U.S. Representative Rob Menendez Jr. delivered a forceful statement on Friday following the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, calling the incident an “act of intimidation” and pledging continued action in response.

The confrontation occurred during an attempted tour of the facility by three members of Congress: Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, accompanied by Baraka. The group was reportedly denied access by federal officials and remained unaware of the situation inside the center. Menendez recounted that they waited for more than an hour and a half before stepping outside, where they encountered the mayor.

“We waited patiently for over an hour and a half at the detention center,” said Menendez. “We waited together, and during that entire time, we had no idea what was happening inside. The only action we saw was outside. So we walked out to see what was going on.”

According to Menendez, more than 20 armed federal officers confronted Baraka while he was waiting to meet with the congressional delegation.

“What we saw was our neighbor, the mayor of the largest city in New Jersey, waiting for us. Waiting to meet with us. Waiting to stand with us,” said Menendez. “And then, over 20 armed individuals, more than 20 armed officers confronted the Mayor of Newark. Alongside him were three members of Congress. This was an act of intimidation.”

Menendez framed the arrest not as an isolated event but as part of a broader pattern of federal conduct under the Trump administration.

“We know what this administration has been doing in our communities. We know the lies every day when they claim they’re going after criminals. What we saw today, in broad daylight, was not that,” he said.

The congressman alleged that officers made physical contact with members of Congress during the confrontation.

“They didn’t just arrest the Mayor of Newark; they laid hands on two members of Congress. And I ask: is this acceptable? Is this acceptable for the people of New Jersey?”

Menendez further criticized the federal response as being out of alignment with the values of the local community and pledged that the incident would not go unchallenged.

“Everything about what happened today is wrong. It is unacceptable,” he said. “And let me be clear: this will not be the end of it. Not when we leave this site. Not when we go to find Ras. Not when we go back home. This is not over.”