Newark Mayor Baraka Sues U.S. Prosecutor, DHS Agent over ‘Political Hit-Job’ ICE Arrest

June 3 2025 – NEWARK, New Jersey:  Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a federal suit accusing interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and DHS agent Ricky Patel of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation over his May 9 trespassing arrest outside the privately run Delaney Hall immigration detention center.

Baraka, who is now campaigning for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, says the charge was dropped after ten days and calls the episode a “politically motivated attempt to smear him”. The US prosecutors have since charged Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault in the same incident.

On May 12, 2025 NEWARK, New Jersey – Various faith clergy groups set up a prayer outside Delaney Hall Detention Center, locking arms, while blocking both entrys to the detention center after Mayor Baraka arrest. Groups clashed with police and ICE officers as they attempted to block cars from coming in and leaving.

“This is Private Property, Please Leave the Area,” – Federal Officers are demanding that the protesters disperse from the front gate at Delaney Hall ICE Detention Facility in Newark NJ

Protester waves “LOVE” sign at ICE Detainees bus as they try to enter Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, which is blocked by faith leaders