On May 9, 2025, Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba delivered a dramatic update following the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a prominent Democrat and gubernatorial candidate, at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark. The incident, which sparked heated debate across X and news outlets, stemmed from a protest against the facility’s reopening to house 1,000 immigrants. Habba, a former Trump attorney now serving as a top federal prosecutor, confirmed Baraka’s arrest for trespassing, alleging he ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to leave the premises. Her fiery remarks on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum electrified supporters and enraged critics, making it a defining moment in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Habba asserted that Baraka was inside the facility and refused repeated requests to vacate, leading to his arrest. “He chose to disregard the law,” she declared, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” She pushed back against claims from three New Jersey Democratic lawmakers—Reps. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez—who were also protesting and alleged mistreatment by federal authorities. Habba insisted the DOJ and ICE acted correctly, accusing the lawmakers of politicizing the event. X posts from @ConservBrief and @DineshDSouza amplified her update, with #NobodyIsAboveTheLaw trending as supporters praised her tough stance. ICE bodycam footage, released to Fox News, appeared to show McIver shoving an agent, further fueling the controversy.
Baraka, however, told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins a different story, insisting he was outside the facility for over an hour without being told to move. “Alina Habba wasn’t there—she doesn’t know what happened,” he said, denying any lawbreaking and framing his presence as a mayor’s duty to support constituents. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy echoed this, calling the arrest unjust on X. Critics, including @CharlieK_news, labeled Habba’s actions a political stunt, noting her lack of prosecutorial experience and history of legal missteps, like sanctions in Trump-related lawsuits. Some speculated the arrest targeted Baraka to weaken his 2025 gubernatorial bid.
The clash underscores Habba’s aggressive approach as U.S. Attorney, following her probe into Governor Murphy over sanctuary policies. Legal experts warn the case could face challenges if Baraka’s claims of no warnings hold, but for now, Habba’s update has galvanized Trump’s base, positioning her as a fierce enforcer. The truth of the incident remains contested, with bodycam footage and witness accounts under scrutiny, leaving America divided yet riveted.
