Newark mayor sues Alina Habba after being arrested for entering an ICE facility without authorization

Newark (N.J.) Mayor Ras Baraka demanded accountability from the state’s acting U.S. Attorney, Alina Habba, and a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent following arrest in early May for trespassing at an immigration detention center where he had previously protested. 

Baraka, a Democrat, alleged that his detention was "illegal" and "violent," accusing the defendants of having "abused their power."

"I filed a federal lawsuit against Alina Habba and DHS Agent Ricky Patel for false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation. They abused their power to violently arrest me at Delaney Hall despite being invited inside. No one is above the law," Baraka posted on X.

"This is not about revenge. Ultimately, I think this is about them taking accountability for what has happened to me," the mayor said at a press appearance.

Habba, to Baraka: "Join me"

Before Baraka filed the lawsuit, Habba called it "shocking" that the Newark mayor chose to take legal action against her and suggested she "join" her in "prioritizing violent crime and public safety."

Baraka was arrested on May 10 after entering an ICE facility without authorization, despite repeated warnings from authorities about "disregarding the law."

"He committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark. He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state," said Habba, who said Baraka was taken into police custody.