Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has launched a federal investigation into Friday’s explosive confrontation at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, where several prominent New Jersey Democrats allegedly trespassed, shoved law enforcement, and disrupted federal operations.

Habba announced the probe on social media Monday, stating that her office would be “undertaking a thorough investigation in coordination with our Federal Agency partners” to determine what laws may have been broken. “I do not take these matters lightly,” she added.

The incident began when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, along with Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Robert Menendez Jr., showed up at the facility uninvited. Officials say Baraka refused repeated warnings to leave and was ultimately arrested for criminal trespassing.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the group breached the security gate as a busload of detainees was arriving. A video released by DHS shows members of Congress and their staff pushing federal agents and physically forcing their way inside. Contrary to claims by Watson Coleman that “nothing happened,” the footage depicts multiple confrontations between lawmakers and law enforcement.

“This goes beyond a bizarre political stunt,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “It put the safety of our officers and detainees at risk. These members of Congress are not above the law.”

Vice President JD Vance echoed that sentiment, posting, “Being a Member of Congress doesn’t give you the right to obstruct the rule of law.” He cited earlier comments from Rep. Ro Khanna — who has since criticized the arrests — to make the point.

Despite the legal drama, Baraka doubled down on his claim of innocence, telling reporters, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” Supporters rallied over the weekend, including a group of about 50 clergy members who held prayers outside the detention center and vowed to stay “as long as it takes.”

But federal officials insist the evidence tells a different story.

On Friday, DHS also released mugshots and records for several detainees at Delaney Hall, including illegal aliens with violent criminal histories. Agents say the officials’ actions jeopardized a secure operation and escalated tensions on-site.

Had the Democrats simply requested a tour, McLaughlin noted, DHS would have complied. Instead, they’re now the focus of a growing criminal investigation — one that could send shockwaves through Congress if arrests or charges are filed.

As the dust settles, Habba made clear her office will follow the facts. “All available evidence will be thoroughly reviewed prior to making a determination on how to proceed,” she said. “No one is above the law.”