Newark Mayor Sues US Attorney

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney for United States — New Jersey Alina Habba and Homeland Security Investigations agent Ricky Patel, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and defamation. The lawsuit stems from Ras Baraka's arrest on May 9 at the Delaney Hall federal immigration detention facility, which is owned and operated by GEO Group. Ras Baraka, a critic of Donald Trump's immigration policies, was attempting to join members of Congress on an oversight tour when he was denied entry and subsequently arrested on a trespassing charge. The charges against Ras Baraka were later dropped, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa rebuked Alina Habba's office for the 'worrisome misstep.' However, Alina Habba subsequently charged Representative LaMonica McIver, who was present during the incident, with two counts of assaulting officers. Ras Baraka's lawsuit also cites defamatory statements made by Alina Habba on social media and television. This event unfolds amidst Ras Baraka's campaign for governor of United States — New Jersey and a separate lawsuit filed by the United States — United States Department of Justice against United States — New Jersey and other cities over their 'sanctuary policies.'