1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Mayor Baraka's arrest by ICE officers for attempting to inspect a private detention facility, despite being accompanied by members of Congress, is an alarming abuse of power that warrants his immediate release. The threats to also arrest the Congressional representatives performing legal oversight duties are patently illegal and undermine constitutional authority. Such intimidation of elected officials carrying out their responsibilities to protect public safety and advocate for their constituents cannot stand. I condemn these actions in the strongest terms and call for Baraka's prompt release to resume serving the people of Newark without further impediment. Democratic norms and the right of public servants to perform their roles free from retaliation are at stake.