White House mocks Democrat suing federal attorney for his arrest in ICE protest

The legal battle between Newark Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka and interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba continues to escalate, with Baraka filing a lawsuit against Habba for “false arrest and malicious prosecution” following his arrest outside an ICE facility last month. Baraka, a prominent Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, was among several public officials who protested outside the federal immigration center, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges of criminal trespassing.

The U.S. attorney’s office later dropped the charges against Baraka, citing the need to “move forward.” However, Baraka’s legal team has now taken action by filing a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in New Jersey, alleging that Habba acted politically in his arrest and made defamatory remarks about his case on social media. The lawsuit seeks damages for false arrest and malicious prosecution, as well as for the alleged defamation.

In response to Baraka’s lawsuit, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson dismissed it as a “meritless lawsuit” and a “desperate attempt” to stay relevant. Habba also mocked the lawsuit, advising Baraka to focus on prioritizing violent crime and public safety instead. Despite the backlash, Baraka’s team has not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The ongoing legal dispute highlights the contentious relationship between Baraka and Habba, as well as the broader political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and public protests. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign and the national conversation on immigration policies. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

This article was written by Peter Pinedo, a politics writer for Fox News Digital.