Newark Mayor Condemns Warrantless Immigration Raid Amid Nationwide Concerns
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has expressed outrage following a recent immigration raid conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city, which he claims occurred without a warrant. The raid reportedly resulted in the detainment of undocumented immigrants as well as U.S. citizens, raising alarm among local officials and civil rights advocates.
“Ignoring the rule of law is unacceptable,” Mayor Baraka stated, emphasizing that Newark will not tolerate what he described as unlawful terrorization of its residents. The statement came amid heightened concern as major U.S. cities brace for potential ICE operations following comments from Trump administration officials, indicating a renewed focus on so-called sanctuary cities that do not comply with federal immigration directives.
ICE has reported a total of 538 arrests within the past week but did not provide specific details on locations or times of the operations. Baraka highlighted one notable case in the Newark raid, where a U.S. military veteran faced questioning about his military documentation during the detainment, a situation he condemned as disgraceful.
Criticism of the raid extends beyond Newark, with New Jersey lawmakers and advocates echoing concerns about the implications of such enforcement actions on communities. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman characterized the situation as a sign of authoritarianism, while local advocacy groups are organizing workshops to educate residents on their rights in the face of immigration enforcement.
As cities, including Chicago, prepare for potential raids, local leaders are collaborating with community organizations to ensure that residents are informed and equipped to navigate the complexities surrounding their legal rights regarding immigration actions.
Weekly Newsletter
News summary by melangenews