Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is reportedly planning to sue the federal government following his arrest last month at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in New Jersey, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.
The arrest, made on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge, was later dismissed by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s office.
Baraka was taken into custody after allegedly engaging in riot-like conduct during an unannounced entry into the Delaney Hall facility. The incident occurred earlier in the month and immediately drew attention from federal authorities and local officials.
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“After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor charge of trespass,” Habba announced in a statement posted to X on Monday evening.
“In the spirit of public interest, I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.”
The developments come amid continued scrutiny from the federal judiciary. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa previously held a virtual hearing on the arrest and criticized Habba’s handling of the case, stating that the rapid dismissal of charges “suggests a worrisome misstep.”
Espinosa cautioned that federal prosecutors must “operate with a higher standard.”
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During the hearing, Baraka was caught on a hot mic reacting to the judge’s comments, saying, “Jesus, he tore these people a new a**hole. Good grief.”
Despite the dropped charges, the situation has now escalated. Baraka’s office reportedly leaked plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government in response to the arrest and the broader handling of the case.
In response to the leak, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba issued a direct statement. “Shocking leak from Mayor Baraka’s team: He is planning to sue the Feds,” she wrote.
“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.”
“Shocking” leak from Mayor Baraka’s team: 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.
— Alina Habba (@AlinaHabba) June 3, 2025
The controversy comes as Habba’s office also announced charges against Democrat Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for allegedly assaulting ICE agents. McIver has not commented publicly on the charges.
Today my office has charged Congresswoman McIver with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/TV00uwRtKq
— US Attorney Habba (@USAttyHabba) May 19, 2025
The incident at Delaney Hall and its aftermath have highlighted tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local officials, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The legal dispute between Mayor Baraka and federal prosecutors may now head toward a new phase as the lawsuit moves forward.
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These officials should be charged with HARBORING FUGITIVES (which 100% of illegals are), kicked out of office, and locked up for 5 years.
Good Grief.. This goon is the so called ” Front Runner” for governor. NJ is already descending into 3rd world status.He’s trying to salvage his political image which isn’t good to begin with anyway !!
Anyone that impedes Ice should be arrested and charged with aiding and abetting, This includes anyone from a private citizen up to and including Judges and Congresspeople.
Charge him.
Does he not realize that, on cross examination, Habba’s attorney will simply ask, “Why didn’t you make an appointment to see the facility?” If all they wanted was oversight, that’s all they needed to do.
These out-of-control bureaucrats from the democrat/ Soros party get away with inciting Hatred & Violence and then want to use taxpayers’ dollars to launch a phony lawsuit for their own ridiculous actions. Taxpayers should have a say in what these democrats do with tax dollars, protecting themselves like Letitia James who now has a multimillion-dollar fund set aside for her crimes and lawyer fees. Enough is enough! Run the Democrat party out of Dodge! They are burning down our home!