Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sues over ICE arrest outside Delaney Hall facility
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Newark Mayor Sues Federal Prosecutor Over Arrest
Above: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, speaks to the media and supporters after exiting the courthouse May 15, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Image copyright: Stephanie Keith/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Baraka is right to sue Habba. His arrest was clearly an abuse of federal power for political purposes, as Habba targeted a prominent Democratic mayor during his gubernatorial campaign. The rushed charges and immediate social media posts before formal filing show this was about political theater, not law enforcement.
Republican narrative
Baraka is the one looking for a political jolt during his gubernatorial run. Law enforcement acted appropriately when he trespassed at a secure detention facility, and the government dropped the charges in order to move forward. Now Baraka is the one drumming this situation back up as a political stunt.