Newark Mayor Baraka Addresses ICE ‘Raid,’ Detention of Multiple People
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, members of the city council, and state and federal representatives held a news conference Friday morning about what the mayor is calling a "raid" by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a business in Newark on Thursday.
Multiple People Detained, Including U.S. Citizens
Multiple people were allegedly detained in the operation, including U.S. citizens, according to the mayor, but it remains unclear if there were any arrests or anyone was taken into custody.
Mayor’s Statement
"ICE agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant," the mayor said in a statement. "Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized."
The Operation
The operation occurred at Ocean Seafood Depot on Adams Street, according to the mayor’s office. A witness said they saw ICE agents at the location at the time of the action.
Concerns about the Operation
Baraka noted that one of those who was detained is a U.S. veteran "who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned."
The mayor called the operation "egregious" and said it violated the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which clarifies "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures."
ICE’s Response
In a statement, ICE said that agents "may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today." The spokesperson said it was part of an active investigation and "per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations."
State and Federal Representatives Weigh In
Multiple state and federal representatives also weighed in with their anger.
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman: "Warrantless searches, jackbooted thugs, veterans detained. After pardoning violent insurrectionists, Trump orders ICE agents to detain and harass innocent people, including a veteran who served our country. This is the reality of Trump’s reign of terror, but it’s not the America generations have fought for."
- Rep. LaMonica McIver: "My office is in contact with the Department of Homeland Security to get answers on exactly what happened and how it was allowed that ICE came in—without warrant and without justification—to detain not only immigrants, but citizens and even a veteran of our nation’s military."
- New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim: "We are concerned about the operation, saying such events ‘sow fear in all of our communities — and our broken immigration system requires solutions, not fear tactics’."
Background
Actions by ICE agents were expected to target major sanctuary cities immediately after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Within their first few days in office, the administration began setting groundwork for further immigration actions. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday it was ending a policy that restricted ICE agents’ ability to arrest undocumented people at or near so-called sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools, and hospitals.
Conclusion
The operation has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling it a violation of civil rights and a form of "terrorism." The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding immigration policy and the role of ICE in enforcing it.
FAQs
- What happened during the operation?
- ICE agents raided a business in Newark, detaining multiple people, including U.S. citizens and a U.S. veteran.
- What did the mayor say about the operation?
- The mayor called it "egregious" and said it violated the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.
- What did ICE say about the operation?
- ICE said agents may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity.
- What did state and federal representatives say about the operation?
- Many representatives expressed outrage and concern, calling it a violation of civil rights and a form of "terrorism."
