Chaos erupted Friday when three House Democrats and Newark’s mayor tangled with ICE agents at a detention center. U.S. Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez, alongside Mayor Ras Baraka, thought they could waltz into Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, for an “oversight visit.” Turns out, actions have consequences.
Fox News reported that the group’s stunt at the ICE facility, which houses murderers, terrorists, and MS-13 gang members, led to a confrontation, Baraka’s arrest, and allegations of assault on an ICE agent.
Their attempt to inspect the center coincided with a bus of detainees entering the security gate, sparking a clash captured on body camera footage. DHS didn’t mince words, signaling that arrests for the lawmakers are still on the table.
It all started when the quartet arrived at Delaney Hall, claiming oversight authority. Their timing couldn’t have been worse, as they barreled toward the gate just as a detainee bus rolled in. DHS says McIver was caught on camera charging through law enforcement, a move that screams entitlement more than oversight.
The situation escalated when an ICE agent was allegedly assaulted during the scuffle. Baraka, ignoring multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations, was slapped with handcuffs and charged with trespassing. Five hours in detention later, he was released, but the message was clear: no one’s above the law.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didn’t hold back, stating, “If it were a typical U.S. citizen, and they tried to storm into a detention facility … they would be arrested.” She’s right—ordinary folks don’t get a free pass to disrupt secure facilities. Yet, these lawmakers seem shocked that rules apply to them.
McLaughlin added, “Just because you are a member of Congress … does not mean you are above the law.” The Democrats’ cries of victimhood ring hollow when body cam footage shows their aggressive push past agents. It’s almost as if they thought their titles were get-out-of-jail-free cards.
Rep. McIver whined, “I was assaulted by multiple ICE officers while regional directors of ICE watched it happen.” Her claim smells like a deflection from her actions, especially when DHS’s footage paints a different picture. Blaming ICE for her gate-crashing antics is peak political theater.
Rep. Watson Coleman insisted, “We did not ‘storm’ the detention center.” Her denial might’ve landed better if the video didn’t show her crew shoving toward a secure gate. Facts don’t care about her press release spin.
Watson Coleman also sniped that DHS “didn’t even correctly count the number of Representatives present.” Petty jabs about headcounts don’t erase the reality of their reckless behavior. It’s a weak attempt to dodge accountability.
Baraka’s attorneys argued his trespassing charge “would normally be handled by way of a ticket.” They conveniently gloss over his refusal to heed warnings from federal agents. Mayoral status doesn’t grant immunity from basic laws.
The attorneys also claimed Baraka’s release shows he’s no “flight risk or a danger to the community.” That’s cute, but it doesn’t undo his deliberate trespassing at a facility holding dangerous criminals. Respect for the law isn’t optional, even for “widely respected” officials.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba laid it out plainly: “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings … NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.” Her no-nonsense stance is a breath of fresh air in a world tired of elite privilege. Baraka’s five-hour detention was a wake-up call.
McLaughlin warned, “Arrests are still on the table for this. This is an ongoing investigation.” The lawmakers’ fates hang in the balance as DHS and the U.S. attorney’s office review the evidence. Don’t be surprised if more cuffs come out.
DHS referred all questions to the U.S. attorney’s office, which hasn’t commented further. The silence suggests they’re building a case, not letting this slide. These Democrats might soon learn that storming federal facilities isn’t a game.