CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Johnson issued the following statement:   

“I am calling for the immediate release of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.   

“Mayor Baraka has a duty to make sure all facilities in his city are safe and compliant for residents of Newark. He further has a right to protest the allegations of unconstitutional practices at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. His arrest today is an example of how the federal government's overreach continues to undermine due process afforded by our Constitution.   

“The confrontation appears to have been instigated by federal agents in response to a scheduled meeting with local elected officials and further appears designed to intimidate local leaders from upholding their duty to their constituents.   

“I know Mayor Baraka as a political leader and a personal friend. His vision and values inspired me early in my career. His mentorship encouraged me to focus on education and fighting for change in my community.   

“We are in solidarity with Mayor Baraka. His courage in the face of injustice reminds us all of what is at stake and how we must show up to defend the rights of all people. I support Mayor Baraka and will continue to fight for equal justice for all.”  

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