Newark Mayor Baraka sues Trump officials over immigration detention center bust

Arya Sundaram

Published Jun 3, 2025

Modified Jun 3, 2025

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Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark outside Delaney Hall on May 7, 2025.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Arya Sundaram

Published Jun 3, 2025

Modified Jun 3, 2025

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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is suing New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor over his arrest last month on charges of trespassing at a federal immigration detention center, arguing he was targeted out of political malice.

Baraka, also a candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey governor, is seeking monetary damages from acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation over the charges, which were later dropped.

The suit also names Ricky J. Patel, the special agent in charge of the Newark division of Homeland Security Investigations. Both were named in their individual capacities.

Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs, said in a statement the Baraka lawsuit was "frivolous."

Baraka was arrested on May 9 after he protested and attempted to enter the newly opened Delaney Hall immigration detention center. Habba alleged the same day in a post on X that Barka ignored multiple warning from HSI agents to leave the site.

Baraka denied Habba’s claims in his complaint, saying that congressmembers who were present invited him inside to tour the facility, and a security guard opened the gate to let him in. After Patel threatened to arrest him, Baraka claims he exited the property and was later arrested by Department of Homeland Security agents who lacked the necessary legal grounds.

Habba later told FOX News that Baraka refused to leave after several requests, and DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told CNN that he broke into the detention facility, according to Baraka’s complaint.

The complaint alleges that Baraka’s arrest was unusual, as federal law enforcement officials usually issue a summons for trespassing. Habba’s office later moved to dismiss the charges against Baraka.

District Court Judge Andre Espinosa called the government’s request to dismiss Baraka’s charges an “embarrassing” retraction that suggested a “failure” to properly investigate the claims before they were brought.

The federal government is now instead pursuing a case against Rep. LaMonica McIver, alleging the New Jersey Democrat pushed and grabbed HSI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while trying to stop Baraka’s arrest.

McIver has denied the allegations, calling the charges an act of "political intimidation" by the Trump administration.

"The American people saw with their own eyes his actions that put the safety of our law enforcement agents and the staff at Delaney Hall at risk — all for the sake of the dangerous criminals housed there," McLaughlin said.

This story was updated with comment from the Department of Homeland Security.

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Race And Justice Unit

department of homeland security

new jersey

ras baraka