Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has strongly condemned a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in the city, which was conducted without a warrant. The operation led to the detention of both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens.
In a statement, Baraka expressed his outrage, emphasizing that Newark would not stand by while residents were “unlawfully terrorized.” The raid has sparked national concern, especially as other sanctuary cities prepare for similar ICE actions across the country.
ICE Raids Spark Nationwide Alarm
The ICE raid in Newark is part of a broader crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities—locales that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The operation has intensified as cities across the U.S. brace for more raids, following statements from Tom Homan, a key figure in former President Trump’s immigration policies. Homan has pledged to fulfill Trump’s promise of “mass deportations,” with sanctuary cities being a primary target.
ICE recently reported making 538 arrests in a single operation. However, the agency did not clarify the specific locations or dates of the arrests. While the numbers are not unusually high—ICE averaged over 450 arrests per day in 2023—the timing of the raids has attracted significant attention, particularly given the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump administration, claimed in a post on social media that “hundreds” of those arrested had been deported by military aircraft, touting the operation as “the largest massive deportation operation in history.”
Questions Raised Over Constitutional Rights
The raid in Newark has drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional rights. Mayor Baraka pointed out that the operation infringed on the Fourth Amendment, which protects against “unreasonable searches and seizures.” He specifically highlighted the case of a U.S. military veteran who was detained and had his military documentation questioned by ICE officers.
In response, ICE stated that while conducting field operations, the agency may encounter U.S. citizens and request identification to verify an individual’s status. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the growing backlash.
State Lawmakers Speak Out
The raid has prompted widespread condemnation from New Jersey lawmakers. U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman called the incident “a disgrace,” likening it to actions taken by “two-bit dictators in banana republics.” State Representative LaMonica McIver added that Trump’s ongoing attacks on immigrant communities were already having a direct impact on residents.
The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice has urged the public to attend workshops aimed at educating residents on their legal rights when interacting with immigration enforcement agents.
Sanctuary Cities Nationwide Prepare for Raids
As ICE intensifies its operations, cities across the U.S. are preparing for similar raids. In Chicago, where a significant number of Venezuelan immigrants have settled in recent years, Mayor Brandon Johnson is collaborating with community groups to educate residents about their rights in the event of an ICE raid.
With tensions rising, sanctuary cities are increasingly focused on protecting vulnerable communities while ensuring that residents are equipped with the knowledge to navigate their legal rights.
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