Newark (New Jersey/USA) - A spectacular incident shook the city of Newark in the US state of New Jersey on Friday : Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested in front of a controversial deportation prison that he has been campaigning against for weeks.

Baraka was on site with several members of Congress to inspect the new 1000-bed prison at Delaney Hall, which is run by the private prison company Geo-Group.

When he was denied entry, the situation escalated: witnesses reported loud verbal fights and scuffles.

"The officers stormed towards Baraka, threw an organizer to the ground and arrested him [the mayor, editor's note]," described activist Viri Martinez.

But Baraka maintained his innocence. "I wasn't on their property. You can't just arrest me on the street!" he protested.

His wife Linda Baraka accused the government of deliberate harassment. "They didn't arrest anyone else. They didn't ask anyone to leave. They wanted to make an example of the mayor," she said.

The mayor, who opposes the tough immigration policy of President Donald Trump (78), had previously fought a legal battle against the Geo Group contract.

According to Baraka, the facility was opened without the correct permits, but the Department of Homeland Security insists that it is legal.

Baraka received support from Attorney General Matthew Platkin, who condemned the arrest as disproportionate.

A congressman in attendance also accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of an attempt at intimidation.

"The reality is this: I did nothing wrong," Baraka told supporters who had been waiting for him after his release.