Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has issued a statement regarding the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The arrest occurred outside Delaney Hall in Newark, where Mayor Baraka was participating in a protest.
Platkin expressed concern over the incident, stating, "Arresting public officials for peacefully protesting violates the most basic principles of our democracy. The arrest of Mayor Baraka earlier this afternoon outside Delaney Hall in Newark is deeply troubling." He emphasized that individuals exercising their right to free speech and assembly should not be targeted for opposing government policies.
The Attorney General clarified that, to his knowledge, no state or local law enforcement agencies were involved in the arrest. He reiterated his office's commitment to defending state laws prohibiting private immigration detention centers within communities. Platkin stated, "Like those gathered today to protest outside of Delaney Hall, my office has remained steadfast in our defense of the state law prohibiting private immigration detention centers in our communities."
He further noted that his office recently defended this law before a federal appeals court and pledged continued support for the civil rights of residents.
