DOJ Official Orders New Jersey Mayor Arrest During Immigration Visit

Newly released body camera footage and court filings reveal that the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at an immigration detention center was ordered by a Justice Department official under President Trump's administration, specifically the deputy attorney general Todd Blanche. During a May 9 oversight visit, Baraka was arrested for trespassing, a charge later dropped, while Representative LaMonica McIver, who was also detained, faces assault charges she claims are politically motivated and is seeking dismissal. The footage shows a Department of Homeland Security special agent stating, "We are arresting the mayor right now, per the deputy attorney general of the United States," and instructing agents to establish a perimeter to effect the arrest. This incident has escalated concerns among Democrats about the Trump-era DOJ using its power to target political opponents, with other high-profile figures also reportedly facing scrutiny. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the actions, accusing McIver of assaulting law enforcement and sharing video evidence of the confrontation. The case highlights ongoing tensions over politically charged enforcement actions by federal officials under the current administration.