Newark Mayor Ras Baraka referenced the reports of the escapees in a statement he issued very early Friday morning about conditions at the facility, following days of unrest.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the center during the visit. Habba’s office pursued a trespassing charge against Baraka, but it was later dropped.

McIver's supporters, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and immigrants rights groups, rallied outside of federal court in Newark to call for the charges to be dropped.

McIver was born in Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, and grew up in what Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — who was her elementary school teacher — said was a tough neighborhood.

McIver was born in Newark, New Jersey's largest city, and grew up in what Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — who was her elementary school teacher — said was a tough neighborhood.