Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid on a Newark, New Jersey, business establishment on Thursday, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, including a U.S. military veteran. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the operation, accusing ICE of violating constitutional rights by failing to produce a warrant during the raid.
The raid comes amid President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown, which includes plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and punish sanctuary cities. Newark, celebrated for its sanctuary policies under Baraka, has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s immigration agenda. Baraka criticized the raid as an act of unlawful intimidation, particularly highlighting the mistreatment of the detained military veteran.
This marks one of the first reported raids following Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement efforts. Media reports suggest similar operations have resulted in nearly 500 arrests in sanctuary cities, including New York and New Jersey, targeting individuals wanted for outstanding crimes.
Mayor Baraka reaffirmed Newark’s commitment to protecting its residents, regardless of immigration status, and vowed to oppose federal overreach. Neither the White House nor ICE has commented on the raid, while Baraka called for accountability and adherence to constitutional protections.
