Newark Mayor Sues Trump Officials After Arrest at ICE Facility

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is suing Trump officials and Alina Habba after his arrest at an ICE detention facility in New Jersey. The incident, which also led to the arrest of U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, unfolded on May 9, 2025. Mayor Baraka claims the arrest was without cause and that he was maliciously prosecuted for trespassing. His lawsuit alleges constitutional violations and defamation. Alina Habba, acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, and Homeland Security official Ricky Patel are named in the suit. Authorities allege Baraka and his group refused to leave the facility when asked. However, McIver denounced the charges as political intimidation. Ten days later, prosecutors dropped Baraka's case, offering no explanation other than "for the sake of moving forward." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress, reputational harm, and other harms. The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and oversight of detention facilities.