NEWARK, N.J. — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka criticized a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid conducted Thursday in the city, claiming agents detained both undocumented individuals without warrants.
In a statement, Baraka condemned the operation as a violation of constitutional rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unlawful searches and seizures.
“This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” he said.
The raid, targeting a local Newark business, is part of a broader federal initiative to apprehend individuals with outstanding immigration issues, but city officials argue the methods employed were overreaching and unconstitutional.
Baraka pledged action in response to the raid, saying Newark “will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized.”
He announced plans to hold a press conference alongside advocacy organizations to address the incident and outline efforts to defend civil and human rights.
Further details on the detainees, the business involved, and the press conference were not immediately available. ICE has not yet responded to the mayor’s allegations.
The raid has drawn sharp criticism from city officials and civil rights groups, adding fuel to ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies.