Newark mayor sues Trump allies over arrest at ICE protest
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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka speaks to the media and supporters after exiting the courthouse on May 15 in Newark, New Jersey. Photo: Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sued a top Trump lawyer Tuesday for "false arrest and malicious prosecution" after he was detained during a visit to an ICE detention center in the city.
Why it matters: Baraka alleges that Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, has explicitly used her position to target Democratic politicians, including Sen. Cory Booker and Gov. Phil Murphy.
- "Defendant Habba has made her biased political goals explicit," Baraka said in the lawsuit, citing an interview where Habba said she could use her position to help "turn New Jersey red."
- The lawsuit also names Ricky J. Patel, the special agent in charge of the Newark Division of Homeland Security Investigations.
The other side: 'Shocking' leak from Mayor Baraka's team," Habba wrote on Monday on X. "He is planning to sue the Feds. My advice to the mayor — feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey."
Catch up quick: Baraka was arrested last month outside of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility he was visiting to conduct an investigation.
- Habba charged Baraka with trespassing but abruptly dropped the charge, multiple outlets reported. A federal judge publicly questioned the validity of the "hasty arrest."
Between the lines: Baraka is running in this month's Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Jersey.
- Election Day is June 10, and early voting began on Tuesday.
Zoom out: The conflict in May also included three House Democrats: Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) and LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.).
- The Justice Department later charged McIver with assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement.
- Watson Coleman told reporters that law enforcement manhandled them and the mayor.
Context: The lawmakers said they were attempting to investigate ICE's reopening of the Delany Hall facility to house detained migrants.
- Baraka had been trying to enter the facility to inspect whether it was in violation of municipal safety codes.
- His office sued GEO Group, a private prison company, over allegations it lacked proper permits to operate Delany Hall.
State of play: Since the incident, several House Democrats visited ICE detention centers to conduct oversight visits.
- The top House Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee also plans to grill the DOJ over its decision to charge Rep. McIver.
Go deeper: House Dems clash with police at ICE facility, mayor arrested
