Alina Habba drops federal trespassing charge against Dem mayor, offers ICE facility tour
Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka is no longer facing a federal trespassing charge over an incident at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the city earlier this month. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced on Monday evening that the misdemeanor charge against Mayor Baraka has been dismissed in order to move forward.
Habba expressed that the decision to dismiss the charge was made after extensive consideration and in the spirit of public interest. She extended an invitation to Mayor Baraka to tour Delaney Hall, stating that the government has nothing to hide at the facility and she would personally accompany him to see that firsthand.
In response to the dismissal of the charge, Mayor Baraka expressed his gratitude and stated that he plans to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about potential areas of cooperation. He also reiterated his commitment to advocating for the humane treatment of detainees at Delaney Hall and ensuring the facility’s compliance with Newark city codes and regulations.
However, Rep. LaMonica McIver is facing charges for allegedly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during the incident at the ICE facility. It has been reported that McIver must turn herself in as soon as possible, pending further instructions from the magistrate.
Mayor Baraka stood in solidarity with Rep. McIver, describing her as a daughter of Newark, a former Newark Council President, a former student, and a dear friend. He expressed confidence that Rep. McIver would be vindicated in the legal proceedings.
The incident at Delaney Hall involved Mayor Baraka and three congressional lawmakers, including Rep. McIver, rushing past security and entering the facility with a group of protesters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated that any U.S. citizen attempting to storm into a detention facility would be arrested, regardless of their status as a public official.
Mayor Baraka’s arrest sparked a local political controversy, as he is also a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor. Supporters rallied outside the Newark federal courtroom during his recent court appearance for a status conference, where the case was expected to proceed to trial before the charge was dismissed.
The decision to dismiss the trespassing charge against Mayor Baraka marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the incident at Delaney Hall. The mayor’s commitment to advocating for the fair treatment of detainees and his support for Rep. McIver demonstrate his dedication to upholding justice and fairness in his city.
