Union leaders criticize Newark mayor's arrest amid ICE facility inspection

AFT President Randi Weingarten, along with American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson and AFT leaders in New Jersey, have expressed concerns over the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The mayor was detained by federal officials while inspecting a facility used by a private contractor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees.

Weingarten commented on the situation: “Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested while trying to do his job: ensuring a building in an industrial area that a private ICE contractor is now using as a detention facility was safe and sanitary.” She noted issues with the facility's inspection status and the blocking of fire and code enforcement officials. Weingarten added, “Instead of listening to Mayor Baraka and the three members of Congress who accompanied him, federal officials arrested him.”

Weingarten described the arrest as an "outrageous abuse of power" and criticized it as a violation of the separation of powers. She emphasized support for Baraka's actions, stating, “Arresting a mayor for doing his job should never be allowed in this country.”

Todd Wolfson remarked on the arrest: “The arrest of Mayor Baraka for nothing more than carrying out his duties to the citizens of Newark is yet another outrage perpetrated by a lawless administration.” He highlighted local mobilization efforts against what he termed "the Trump administration’s cruel persecution."

Jennifer Higgins, AFT New Jersey President, also voiced her disapproval: “Today the federal government clearly and unquestionably demonstrated that they no longer respect the rights of state and local governments." She reaffirmed solidarity with Baraka.

John Abeigon, Newark Teachers Union President, stated: “This is the good trouble our mayor was raised to get himself into,” committing to legal action for Baraka's release.

The incident has sparked reactions from union leaders who argue it undermines local governance rights.