Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, is suing Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Alina Habba on a federal level, arguing that his arrest at an ICE facility was a politically motivated hoax intended to humiliate him. According to Baraka’s lawsuit, federal authorities overreached themselves during what ought to have been a constitutionally protected protest, resulting in false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation.
Federal Overreach Exposed in Politically Motivated Arrest
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka filed the federal lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and Homeland Security Investigations agent Ricky Patel following his May 9th arrest outside an ICE detention center. The charges against Baraka were quickly dismissed just ten days later when evidence showed he had complied with orders to leave the facility before being arrested.
The lawsuit accuses Habba, appointed by former President Trump, of “malicious prosecution” and violating Baraka’s Fourth Amendment rights in what appears to be a politically timed arrest. U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa had harsh words for the U.S. attorney’s office, criticizing them for the “embarrassing retraction of charges” and suggesting they failed to adequately investigate before “wielding immense power.”
ICE Protest Highlights Immigration Enforcement Controversy
The incident occurred as Baraka protested outside the detention facility near Newark Liberty International Airport, exercising his constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The lawsuit claims federal authorities arrested him for “defiant trespass” despite clear evidence to the contrary, turning a legitimate protest into a humiliating detention designed to silence criticism of immigration policies.
🚨BREAKING: Democrat Newark Mayor Ras Baraka filed a lawsuit Tuesday against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, accusing her of false arrest and malicious prosecution in connection with his May 9 arrest and charges outside a federal immigration center. pic.twitter.com/Xgg8UsQ5Mv
— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) June 3, 2025
Habba responded to the lawsuit with dismissive remarks, suggesting Baraka should focus on violent crime and public safety in Newark rather than pursuing legal action. The timing of the arrest is particularly suspicious as it coincided with the beginning of early voting for a primary election where Baraka is competing against five other Democrats, potentially intended to damage his political standing.
Judicial Rebuke Exposes Potential Political Agenda
Judge André M. Espinosa delivered a scathing critique of the U.S. attorney’s office highlighting concerns about federal authorities abusing power for political purposes. He reminded federal prosecutors in his remarks, “Your role is not to secure convictions at all costs, nor to satisfy public clamor, nor to advance political agendas.”
🚨⚠️JANUARY JANUARY6⚠️⚠️🚨
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sued Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba on Tuesday for wrongful arrest and defamation over his detention last month during a protest outside an immigration jail in the New Jersey city.
"I don't know if @AlinaHabba and Ricky… pic.twitter.com/JCsiE8u6GE
— Hector Vargas (@hectorvargasj6) June 3, 2025
“The apparent rush in this case culminating today in the embarrassing retraction of charges suggests a failure to investigate adequately, to gather facts carefully, and to carefully consider the implications of your actions before wielding your immense power.”
The lawsuit states, “In authorizing and/or directing the arrest of Mayor Baraka without proper legal grounds, Defendant Habba was acting for political reasons.” The case represents a growing concern about federal agencies overstepping their authority and targeting local officials who oppose administration policies, especially regarding immigration enforcement and detention practices.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/03/nyregion/ras-baraka-alina-habba-lawsuit-ice.html