Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has filed a federal lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and a Department of Homeland Security investigator, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation stemming from his May 9 arrest at the Delaney Hall ICE Detention Center. The incident occurred during a chaotic oversight visit by Baraka and three Democratic members of Congress—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Robert Menendez Jr.—to inspect conditions at the privately run facility, which houses up to 1,000 immigrants. Baraka claims he was invited onto the property by a GEO Group security guard to calm protesters, only to be arrested for trespassing after exiting the gate as instructed.
The lawsuit accuses Habba, a Trump-appointed prosecutor, of pursuing the case for political motives, aiming to “turn New Jersey red” by targeting Baraka, a prominent Democrat. It alleges Habba posted defamatory statements on social media, falsely claiming Baraka ignored multiple warnings to leave the facility. The trespassing charge was dropped 13 days later, prompting federal magistrate judge André Espinosa to rebuke Habba’s office, calling the arrest “embarrassing” and a “worrisome misstep” lacking thorough evidence. Baraka seeks damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and violation of his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable seizures.
Baraka’s legal action highlights tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, with Delaney Hall—a GEO Group-operated facility under a $1 billion, 15-year ICE contract—becoming a flashpoint. Newark had previously sued GEO, alleging the facility lacked proper permits, a claim disputed by the Department of Homeland Security. The arrest, marked by videos showing Baraka handcuffed amid a clash with federal agents, drew outrage from Democratic leaders, including Governor Phil Murphy, who called it “unjust.”
The lawsuit also names DHS agent Ricky Patel, accused of orchestrating Baraka’s arrest to maximize humiliation. As Baraka campaigns for governor, the case underscores broader debates over prosecutorial overreach and immigration enforcement. While Habba’s office later charged Rep. McIver with assaulting officers, Baraka’s suit demands accountability, alleging a politically driven abuse of power. The outcome could shape public trust in federal law enforcement and influence New Jersey’s political landscape.
