U.S. Immigration Agents Conduct Controversial Raid in Newark
WASHINGTON — U.S. immigration agents executed a raid on a Newark, New Jersey worksite, detaining undocumented migrants alongside American citizens, including a military veteran. Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, condemned the operation, citing violations of citizens’ rights.
The raid took place in New Jersey’s largest city, which Mayor Baraka has previously praised for its “sanctuary” policies that provide protections for migrants. This incident follows President Donald Trump’s commitment to deport millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the USA.
Since his inauguration, Trump has issued numerous executive orders aimed at tightening immigration enforcement and penalizing officials who oppose his policies. During the raid at the Newark establishment, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly failed to present a warrant while detaining both “undocumented residents and citizens,” according to Baraka’s statement.
“One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who endured the humiliation of having his military documentation questioned,” Baraka stated.
An ICE spokesperson responded by stating that agents may encounter U.S. citizens during operations and may request identification to verify identity, as was the case in the targeted enforcement operation in Newark.
Baraka asserted that the raid infringed upon the rights of citizens protected under the U.S. Constitution. “Newark will not stand by idly while individuals are being unlawfully terrorized,” he declared.
While the identity of the raided business was not disclosed by either Baraka or ICE, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated on X that the Trump administration had arrested 538 individuals that Thursday, labeling them all as “illegal immigrant criminals.” This group reportedly included members of a Venezuelan prison gang and individuals convicted of sex crimes, although further details were not given.
Studies from various academic sources and think tanks have consistently shown that immigrants do not engage in criminal activities at a higher rate than native-born Americans. Other research indicates that undocumented immigrants also commit crimes at a lower rate.
Sanctuary Cities
Mayor Baraka stands out as one of the first local officials in the USA to respond publicly to a specific raid following the initiation of Trump’s immigration crackdown. In 2017, he signed an executive order reinforcing Newark’s sanctuary status and has been a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies throughout the president’s first term.
As of 2022, approximately 44% of the estimated 11 million immigrants in the USA, either undocumented or with temporary status, resided in states with sanctuary laws that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This statistic does not account for those in sanctuary cities and counties without statewide laws, such as New Mexico.
Recent reports indicate that federal law enforcement and ICE agents arrested nearly 500 undocumented migrants wanted for outstanding crimes in various sanctuary cities, including areas in New York and New Jersey. These arrests reportedly occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to ICE officials.
