Baraka Sues Habba: ICE Arrest Lawsuit
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is taking legal action, suing acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba over his arrest at an ICE detention center. The lawsuit, which details the political motivations behind his detention, stems from an incident in May when baraka was arrested while accompanying a congressional delegation for oversight. The charges were later dismissed,and a judge even reprimanded Habba’s office,adding another layer to this developing drama. This case involves prominent public figures, bringing extra layers of complexity, and is covered by News Directory 3. Baraka seeks damages, arguing the arrest was unlawful. Discover what’s next as the legal process unfolds and impacts ICE facility oversight.
Ras Baraka Sues Alina Habba Over ICE Detention Center Arrest
Updated june 4, 2025
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Alina Habba, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, claiming his arrest during a visit to an ICE detention center in May was politically motivated.The lawsuit names Habba and Department of Homeland Security agent Ricky Patel as defendants.
Baraka’s arrest occurred on May 9 outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark. He was accompanying a congressional delegation conducting oversight at the facility but was denied entry. After joining protesters on public property, ICE agents arrested him and took him back inside the facility. Following the incident, Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with assaulting an ICE agent, a charge she disputes.
The charges against Baraka were later dismissed, with U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinos reprimanding Habba’s office for abusing its power and conducting a hasty examination.In a letter to Habba, Espinos stated that the “embarrassing retraction of charges suggests a failure to adequately investigate” and that her office must operate with a higher standard.
Habba, previously known as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, represented him in several high-profile cases, including the E. jean Carroll civil case. She was appointed to the U.S. Attorney post after serving as a legal counselor to Trump.
Following Baraka’s arrest, Habba claimed he was arrested for trespassing and ignoring warnings from Homeland Security Investigations. She stated, “He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. that will not stand in this state…NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”
Baraka’s lawsuit argues he was allowed into the facility by GEO Group security employees and complied with a request to leave from agent Ricky Patel. The lawsuit claims that 20 DHS agents, “egged on by Defendant Patel,” violently arrested Baraka without probable cause.
The lawsuit further alleges that Habba threatened Baraka with additional charges if he did not waive his right to sue for attorney’s fees after video evidence contradicted the initial claims. Baraka is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and also compensation for attorney’s fees.
Baraka was detained for several hours, photographed for a mugshot, and later released.
What’s next
The lawsuit will proceed through the courts, with Baraka seeking damages and a determination that his arrest was unlawful. The outcome could have implications for the oversight of ICE facilities and the conduct of federal law enforcement officials.