White House Denounces Democratic Mayor’s Lawsuit Against US Attorney Over ICE Arrest as ‘Desperate’ Protest

The White House has issued a forceful rebuttal after Newark's Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka filed a federal lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, a move that comes on the heels of Baraka’s high-profile arrest during a protest last month outside a federal immigration detention facility.

Baraka, a prominent figure in New Jersey politics and considered a frontrunner in the upcoming gubernatorial race, is seeking damages for what he characterizes as a “false arrest and malicious prosecution.” The incident in question occurred on May 9, when Baraka joined fellow lawmakers—including several congressional representatives from New Jersey—in a demonstration at the Delaney Hall detention center near Newark Liberty International Airport. According to court filings, Baraka was detained and charged with criminal trespassing after allegedly refusing law enforcement orders to vacate the premises. He was later released and the charges were dropped less than two weeks later, with federal prosecutors stating it was “for the sake of moving forward.”

Baraka’s civil complaint asserts that Habba’s actions were motivated by political considerations, arguing she behaved as “a political operative” rather than as an impartial law enforcement official. The lawsuit further contends that remarks made by Habba, including statements shared on social media, contributed to what Baraka’s attorneys describe as defamation and reputational harm. The legal filing seeks unspecified monetary damages and a formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Responding swiftly, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Baraka’s lawsuit as a “meritless” and “desperate attempt” to curry favor with left-wing voters. “Much like Mr. Baraka’s last stunt—storming a federal detention facility in defense of criminal illegal aliens—this meritless lawsuit is just his latest desperate attempt to try and stay relevant among the far-left Democrat base,” Jackson remarked, signaling the administration’s intent to back Habba’s actions and paint Baraka’s efforts in a negative light.

Alina Habba herself responded to the legal challenge by mocking its motives and advising Baraka to prioritize pressing issues such as violent crime and public safety. In a statement posted on social media, Habba said, “My advice to the mayor—feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey.”

This dispute comes amid heightened political tension over immigration enforcement and so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions.” Baraka’s allies maintain that his protest was a stand against policies they see as unjust, while critics accuse him of undermining law and order for political gain. With New Jersey’s gubernatorial election heating up, the confrontation is likely to further energize debate around immigration, law enforcement, and the balance of federal and local authority in the state.

As the case moves forward in federal court, both sides show no signs of backing down, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and political battle with significant implications for both Newark’s city hall and New Jersey’s statewide elections.