White House Denounces Democratic Mayor's Lawsuit Against US Attorney Over ICE Arrests: Calls It a 'Desperate Attempt'
White House criticizes Newark Mayor Ras Baraka over lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba following ICE arrest.
The White House has issued a forceful rebuttal after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a prominent Democrat and leading contender for New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, filed a civil lawsuit this week against interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. The lawsuit stems from Baraka’s arrest on May 9 outside the Delaney Hall detention center, a federal immigration facility near Newark Liberty International Airport, where he was charged with criminal trespassing during a protest alongside several New Jersey congressional representatives.
Baraka’s legal filing accuses Habba of “false arrest and malicious prosecution,” alleging that her actions during and after his detention were politically motivated. According to the complaint, Baraka was participating in a protest with other public officials when law enforcement ordered the crowd to disperse. After Baraka allegedly ignored those warnings, he was detained and held for several hours before being released. Less than two weeks later, the U.S. attorney's office dropped the charges, citing the importance of moving forward.
The mayor’s attorneys further claim that Habba acted as “a political operative, outside of any function intimately related to the judicial process, and in her individual personal capacity.” They are seeking damages not only for the arrest and prosecution but also for what they describe as defamatory statements made by Habba both publicly and on social media regarding Baraka’s actions and character.
The White House swiftly dismissed Baraka’s lawsuit as without merit. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson characterized the legal move as “just his latest desperate attempt to try and stay relevant among the far-left Democrat base.” Jackson referenced Baraka’s presence at the May protest, calling it another “stunt” designed to raise his profile amid the increasingly competitive Democratic primary landscape for governor.
Habba herself responded publicly, describing the lawsuit as “shocking” and offering pointed advice to Baraka. “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,” she stated in a message posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
The incident and resulting legal battle have only further inflamed an already tense debate over immigration enforcement in New Jersey and the political risks facing Democrats in contested races. With Baraka accusing federal prosecutors of political retribution, and both federal and local leaders exchanging sharp words, the case is expected to attract ongoing attention as it moves through the court system. Baraka’s legal team has yet to issue a public response following the White House remarks.
