A Magistrate Judge on Tuesday did not immediately grant the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the criminal trespass charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
Judge Andre Esponosa, who previously warned US Attorney Alina Habba against making public statements about Ras Baraka, will hold a virtual hearing on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.
JUST IN: Magistrate Judge did not immediately grant DOJ motion to dismiss the misdemeanor trespass case against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Judge Andre Espinosa to hold a virtual hearing on the matter tomorrow at 1.
— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) May 20, 2025
US Attorney Alina Habba on Monday evening announced her office dropped a misdemeanor trespass charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
The charge against Baraka was related to his riotous activity at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center earlier this month.
“After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor charge or trespass,” Alina Habba said in a statement posted to X on Monday evening.
“In the spirit of public interest, I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand,” Habba said.
Habba also announced her office charged Democrat Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for assaulting ICE agents.
Today my office has charged Congresswoman McIver with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/TV00uwRtKq
— US Attorney Habba (@USAttyHabba) May 19, 2025
The Mayor of Newark was arrested for criminal trespass earlier this month after storming the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested for criminal trespass at ICE detention facility / screen image
According to News12NJ, Baraka was shouting at agents after he gained entry through the gate.
WATCH (video courtesy of News12NJ):
Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center after an argument with agents. Members of congress here for a scheduled visit, were shoved after trying to include Baraka in conversations after he gained entry through the gate.@news12nj #newark @News12NJ pic.twitter.com/6UDQWiIhQ7
— Amanda Lee (@amandaleetv) May 9, 2025
Alina Habba previously said Mayor Baraka was taken into custody after he ignored multiple warnings from DHS agents.
“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon. He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,” Alina Habba said.
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