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Newark, NJ – A high-speed chase involving federal immigration agents resulted in a multi-vehicle collision Wednesday in Newark, city officials confirmed.
According to Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to stop a van in New Jersey’s largest city when the driver fled. The ensuing pursuit by ICE agents led to an accident involving several vehicles, including one occupied by three children.
The driver of the van sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Details regarding the extent of the driver’s injuries or the reason for the ICE pursuit were not immediately available. Mayor Baraka emphasized that Newark police were not involved in the initial ICE investigation and only responded to the crash scene.
While spokespersons for Mayor Baraka, Newark police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Mayor Baraka took to social media to criticize what he called ICE’s “reckless and dangerous” actions. The Democratic mayor highlighted that New Jersey state law generally prohibits law enforcement from engaging in vehicle pursuits unless a suspect poses an immediate threat.
“Federal authorities should adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits and exercise common sense,” Mayor Baraka stated. “Based on the damage they are inflicting on our communities, ICE has no business engaging in chases at anytime, anywhere – but especially in densely populated areas, and on roads still being cleared from a significant snowstorm.”
This incident follows Mayor Baraka’s arrest and subsequent dismissal of trespassing charges last May, stemming from his protest against a new federal immigration detention center in Newark.