Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues Alina Habba Over Arrest at Delaney Hall

Lawsuit Filed Against Alina Habba

• 📌 Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Alina Habba, the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, concerning his arrest at Delaney Hall.
• 🎯 The suit alleges that Habba willingly violated the law and defamed Baraka during the incident.

Circumstances of the Arrest

• ⛓️ Baraka was arrested at an immigration center near Newark airport, where he and members of Congress were reviewing detainee treatment.
• ⚖️ The charge against him was a misdemeanor, which was dismissed within 13 days.
• 🗣️ Baraka stated that being handcuffed, fingerprinted, and having his mugshot taken for a misdemeanor was egregious.

Allegations and Legal Proceedings

• ⚠️ Habba had alleged that Baraka ignored multiple warnings to leave the facility.
• 🏛️ Federal Judge Andre Espinosa reprimanded prosecutors at the dismissal hearing, calling the decision to abandon charges "embarrassing."
• 🔍 Baraka claims he was arrested before an investigation was conducted, a point highlighted by the judge.

Claims of Defamation and Rights Violation

• 📜 The lawsuit accuses Habba and Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel of violating Baraka's Fourth Amendment right against false arrest.
• 📢 It also includes accusations of defamation, citing false statements made by Habba, including on Fox News.
• ⚖️ Baraka referenced Habba's own tweet, "No one is above the law," stating that she is now finding out she is not above it either.

Motivation for the Lawsuit

• ✊ Mayor Baraka, who is running for governor, stated the lawsuit is not about money but about respect and accountability.
• 🤝 He suggested that Habba and Patel may not have enough resources to compensate him for the damages caused, but they should at least apologize.