Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a civil lawsuit against the interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation following his recent detainment at a federal immigration facility. The lawsuit was announced on Tuesday, June 3rd, amid Baraka’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey governor. The legal filing also names Homeland Security agent Ricky Patel and refers to Baraka’s May 9 arrest outside Delaney Hall in Newark.
According to the complaint, Baraka attempted to join three members of Congress on a lawful oversight visit to the facility. He was allegedly permitted onto the property by a security agent from the GEO Group, the private operator managing Delaney Hall under a federal immigration detention contract. After exiting the area, Baraka was approached and detained by more than 20 armed officers despite not engaging in disruptive activity. The arrest took place five minutes after he complied with an order to leave.
Baraka’s lawsuit alleges his Fourth Amendment rights were violated and accuses federal officials of seeking to “effect maximum humiliation” through his arrest. Citing a now-deleted post by Habba, which claimed Baraka “committed trespass,” the complaint argues that the arrest was unlawful and politically motivated. Baraka’s legal team also intends to sue the Trump administration but must first observe a statutory six-month waiting period under Federal Tort Claims Act provisions.
U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa later rebuked the prosecution, calling the case “a worrisome misstep” after Baraka’s swift arrest and the dismissal of trespassing charges just 13 days later. He emphasized that prosecutors must uphold impartiality and truth, not act on political motivations. Baraka’s case was ultimately dismissed with no conviction or further action.
In a public statement, Baraka said, “I want somebody to apologize, write a letter, say this was wrong, come out and say, ‘We shouldn’t have done this.’” His lawsuit claims the incident damaged his reputation and caused emotional distress. The event also became a flashpoint in broader disputes over federal-local cooperation in immigration enforcement. Baraka reaffirmed that Newark will not serve as an arm of federal immigration policy.
The Justice Department has not issued a public comment. The incident continues to draw scrutiny as Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign enters its final week. A preliminary hearing in a related case involving Representative LaMonica McIver is expected later this month.
