NJ Judge Warns US Attorney Alina Habba After The Arrest of Newark’s Democrat Mayor

Two separate groups of Democrats are under intense scrutiny following a heated confrontation at a New Jersey ICE detention facility last Friday—one involving sitting members of Congress who may still face arrest, and the other involving Newark’s far-left Mayor, Ras Baraka, who has already been arrested.

Mayor Baraka, a longtime progressive figure with a history of controversial alliances, was taken into custody after refusing to leave the Delaney Hall ICE facility, where he and others were protesting and attempting to gain unauthorized access. The Trump administration, now back in office, responded swiftly. U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba—formerly one of Trump’s lead attorneys—made it clear Baraka wasn’t being targeted unfairly. In a social media post, she stated:

“The Mayor of Newark… committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings… He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.”

That statement, and others made publicly by Habba and Deputy DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on Fox News, triggered a rebuke from the federal judge handling Baraka’s case. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa warned Trump officials to be cautious about making public statements while the legal process unfolds—especially considering Baraka’s current campaign for New Jersey Governor.

Baraka’s legal team cried foul, claiming the arrest was politically motivated and demanding that federal officials stop making what they call “derogatory” comments. The judge agreed in part, cautioning the administration to follow rules of professional conduct regarding ongoing investigations.

Ironically, the same Democrats who spent years blasting Trump during his own legal challenges are now demanding strict decorum and due process for one of their own—despite Baraka having actually broken the law during a politically charged protest.

Baraka’s arrest has only amplified his profile among progressives, giving him a surge of momentum in New Jersey’s heated Democratic primary. While other candidates attack Trump in ads or through policy proposals, Baraka is positioning himself as the activist candidate—claiming his direct action speaks louder than words.

At a recent candidate forum, Baraka didn’t back down, saying:

“People need leadership… not candidates who hide behind moderation or try to play both sides.”

Some see this as a political stunt, but it’s having a real impact. National Democrats have rallied behind Baraka, while critics point to his past associations with controversial figures like Louis Farrakhan as a warning sign. Video footage from a previous event even shows Baraka introducing and applauding Farrakhan during one of his more incendiary sermons.

With the New Jersey gubernatorial primary approaching fast, this confrontation is no longer just about immigration enforcement—it’s shaping up to be a defining moment in a state election that could have national reverberations. If Baraka continues to stage high-profile confrontations with the Trump administration, the stakes—both legal and political—will only grow.