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Newark officials and immigration advocates denounced an ICE raid Thursday that resulted in the detention of eight people. Mayor Ras Baraka, speaking at a Friday press conference, claimed ICE acted without a warrant. He stated those detained included a military veteran and several mothers, and none had committed violent crimes.
Baraka reiterated Newark’s commitment to being a sanctuary city. He expressed concern over potential constitutional violations, citing the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, after learning detainees were fingerprinted and had their IDs photographed. He vowed to fight against President Trump’s immigration policies.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed a US citizen was briefly detained and asked for identification during the operation at a Newark worksite, describing it as standard procedure. The spokesperson declined further comment, citing an ongoing investigation.
The raid comes amid a nationwide increase in ICE operations under President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement. Rep.
LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) condemned the raid and criticized Trump’s executive orders on immigration. She argued the actions create fear and contradict constitutional principles.
Mayor Baraka and other officials pledged to resist the president’s immigration policies, which they view as an attack on their community. Baraka dismissed any fear of legal repercussions for his stance.