Newark, NJ – Mayor Baraka Files Lawsuit Against Trump-Era Officials Over ICE Arrest

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a federal lawsuit against top Trump-era officials, alleging his arrest outside a federal immigration detention center last month was politically motivated and unlawful.

Baraka, currently a candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey governor, is seeking monetary damages from acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The lawsuit accuses Habba of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation stemming from Baraka’s May 9 arrest—charges that were ultimately dropped.

Also named in the suit is Ricky J. Patel, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Newark. Both are being sued in their individual capacities.

According to Baraka’s complaint, he was invited by members of Congress to tour the newly opened Delaney Hall immigration detention center and was allowed entry by a security guard. He says he exited the property after Patel threatened arrest, yet was still detained by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents without legal grounds.

Habba alleged on social media that Baraka ignored multiple warnings to leave. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin claimed Baraka broke into the facility—a charge he denies in the filing.

The lawsuit contends that Baraka’s arrest was atypical, noting that similar cases of trespassing usually result in a summons. Habba’s office later moved to dismiss the charges.

U.S. District Judge Andre Espinosa criticized the reversal, calling it an “embarrassing” retraction and indicative of a “failure” to properly investigate before pressing charges.

Meanwhile, federal authorities continue to pursue a case against Rep. LaMonica McIver, alleging she physically confronted ICE and HSI agents in an attempt to stop Baraka’s arrest. McIver has denied the accusations, labeling them “political intimidation” by the Trump administration.

DHS spokesperson McLaughlin stated, “The American people saw his actions that endangered the safety of our agents and Delaney Hall staff—all to defend dangerous criminals housed there.”