Newark Mayor Sues Over ICE Detention Center Arrest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a federal lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, a former Trump attorney, and Homeland Security Investigations agent Ricky Patel, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation after his May 9 arrest at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Baraka, a Democratic candidate in the New Jersey gubernatorial primary, claims he was lawfully present by invitation and complied with orders to leave but was still arrested and later accused of trespassing by Habba. The charges were dropped within two weeks, and Baraka contends that the arrest and Habba's public statements were politically motivated to harm his reputation. The lawsuit coincides with the start of early voting for the primary and has heightened partisan tensions. Baraka states he is seeking accountability for alleged constitutional violations, not revenge. Habba has denied any wrongdoing.