Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, alleging his arrest during a protest at an immigration detention center was politically motivated and violated his constitutional rights.
At a Glance
- Mayor Baraka was arrested for trespassing during a protest at Delaney Hall ICE facility on May 9, 2025
- He alleges the arrest was orchestrated by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and Homeland Security agent Ricky Patel for political reasons
- Charges against Baraka were dropped ten days later without explanation
- U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa criticized the arrest as a “worrisome misstep” by the U.S. Attorney’s office
- Baraka is a Democratic candidate in New Jersey’s gubernatorial primary, with early voting underway
Legal Battle Unfolds
On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark during a protest against the facility’s reopening. He claims he was invited onto the property by a guard and complied with requests to leave before he was still arrested for trespassing. The charges were quietly dropped ten days later, prompting Baraka to file a civil rights lawsuit.
Baraka’s federal suit names Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and Homeland Security agent Ricky Patel, accusing them of false arrest, defamation, and malicious prosecution. The complaint argues that the arrest was not only unjustified but orchestrated for political gain, in light of Baraka’s vocal opposition to federal immigration crackdowns.
Watch a report: Newark Mayor Sues U.S. Attorney Over Arrest.
Judicial Rebuke and Political Implications
U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa sharply criticized the prosecution’s conduct, calling the arrest and hasty dismissal of charges a “worrisome misstep” and suggesting it lacked due diligence. He warned the U.S. Attorney’s office that its role was not to serve political interests but to uphold justice with impartiality.
The lawsuit lands as Baraka campaigns in a crowded Democratic primary for New Jersey governor. His arrest—and the optics surrounding it—has become a lightning rod for debate over federal immigration enforcement and its entanglement with local politics. Baraka’s team argues the incident reflects a broader trend of using federal authority to intimidate dissenting officials.
Broader Context and Reactions
The Delaney Hall facility, operated by private contractor GEO Group, was recently reopened under federal contract, reigniting local opposition over its detention conditions and opaque oversight. Baraka has long criticized the use of Newark’s facilities for immigration enforcement under Trump-era policies.
The protest included several Democratic lawmakers, notably Rep. LaMonica McIver, who now faces charges for allegedly assaulting officers. She has denied the accusations, framing them as another attempt to stifle lawful protest.
Civil rights advocates have rallied behind Baraka, casting the lawsuit as a test case for the limits of federal authority in immigration matters—and the rights of local officials to dissent without fear of reprisal. The outcome could resonate far beyond New Jersey as debates over immigration, policing, and political power continue to polarize the nation.
