Newark Mayor Sues Former U.S. Attorney Alina Habba Over Arrest and Defamation

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka filed a lawsuit against former U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, alleging that his arrest at an immigration detention center was a violation of his constitutional rights. The arrest, which occurred on May 9th, 2025, stemmed from accusations of trespassing. However, charges were swiftly dropped two weeks later. Baraka's lawsuit also claims defamation, citing Habba's social media posts that allegedly portrayed him as law-breaking before any charges were filed. Habba's social media activity included statements such as, "Shocking" leak from Mayor Baraka's team: He is planning to sue the Feds." and "My advice to the mayor - feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety." The video also highlights the judge's assessment of the arrest as a "worrisome misstep." This case underscores the complexities of legal battles involving public figures and the role of social media in shaping public perception.