Newark Mayor vs. Trump's Attorney Did Political Feud Fuel "False Arrest?"

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues Trump's Former Lawyer, NJ Prosecutor Alina Habba, Over "False Arrest"

Newark, New Jersey – In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Alina Habba, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and former personal defense lawyer for President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, stems from Baraka's arrest last month at an immigration detention center within his city.

The federal lawsuit accuses Habba of false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation against the Democratic mayor. This legal action intensifies the already heated political climate in New Jersey, raising questions about the intersection of politics and justice.

According to the suit filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, Habba allegedly acted with political motivations, aiming to "turn New Jersey red" by orchestrating the arrest of Mayor Baraka.

Here's a breakdown of the key allegations and context:

• The Arrest: Mayor Baraka was arrested on May 9th after he and three U.S. House members sought access to the Delaney Hall immigration detention center to conduct oversight.
• The Invitation: Baraka claims he was invited onto the property by an agent of the private company that owns the facility, challenging Habba's narrative of trespassing.
• Habba's Response: Announcing the arrest, Habba alleged that Baraka "committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations."
• Case Dropped: Just over two weeks after the arrest, Habba announced her office would drop the case against Baraka "for the sake of moving forward."

The lawsuit also arrives amidst accusations against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., who Habba accused of assaulting law enforcement officers during the same incident. McIver faces charges related to the altercation.

Both Baraka and McIver have publicly condemned their prosecutions as acts of political intimidation by the Trump administration. Baraka took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the lawsuit, stating: "They abused their power to violently arrest me at Delaney Hall despite being invited inside. No one is above the law."

The mayor's lawsuit names not only Habba but also Ricky Patel, a special agent at the Homeland Security Department’s Newark division.

Adding another layer of complexity, the legal framework surrounding access to ICE facilities is critical. Members of Congress are generally permitted to enter ICE facilities without prior notice, adding weight to Baraka’s claims of wrongful arrest.

This case is more than just a legal battle; it's a clash of political ideologies and a test of the boundaries of power. The implications of this lawsuit could resonate far beyond New Jersey, influencing the discourse around immigration enforcement, political accountability, and the balance of power between state and federal authorities. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more as this high-profile case unfolds.

Tags: Alina Habba, Ras Baraka, Newark Mayor, New Jersey, False Arrest, Trump Lawyer, Political Suit, US Attorney, Garden State, Lawsuit

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/03/trump-habba-baraka-lawsuit-ice.html