Washington, DC–Below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, on today’s arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by ICE:
“The events this afternoon involving the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by ICE agents outside Delaney Hall, a detention facility run by a private prison operator in his city, are deeply troubling. As Mayor, he has the right and the responsibility to ensure permits are issued to guarantee a facility operating in his city meets health and safety standards. America’s mayors register their strong support for Mayor Baraka and urge ICE to do the right thing and release him immediately.”