Statement on the Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka While Visiting an ICE Detention Facility

Jersey City Mayoral candidate and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea releases the following statement regarding the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka:

“The arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka is a disgrace—and a chilling reminder of how power can be abused by the government. 

Mayor Baraka was arrested for standing up for immigrant families, for protesting the inhumane actions of ICE, and for demanding that our government treat all people with dignity. Let’s be clear: it is not a crime to challenge injustice. It is not a crime to defend your community. It is a duty.

I demand the immediate release of Mayor Baraka. And I demand accountability from the institutions that allowed this to happen. We will not let fear win. We will not let ICE or anyone else intimidate those who dare to speak out.”