Judge Blasts DOJ After Dismissing Charges Against Newark Mayor

A federal judge dismissed trespassing charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Wednesday, delivering harsh criticism to prosecutors for what he called “worrisome” and “embarrassing” blunders in the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa reprimanded the Department of Justice for its handling of the arrest, which occurred during a confrontation at an ICE detention facility in Newark earlier this month.

“The hasty arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, followed swiftly by the dismissal of these trespassing charges a mere 13 days later, suggests a worrying misstep by your office,” Judge Espinosa stated during a five-minute admonishment of the prosecutors, according to New Jersey Globe.

These Hidden Posts Are Packed With Genius Ideas

Judge Questions Prosecution’s Decision-Making

The judge’s dismissal comes two days after Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced her office would drop the charge against Baraka “for the sake of moving forward.” However, Judge Espinosa went considerably further in his criticism, questioning the entire basis for the mayor’s arrest and subsequent charging decision.

Baraka was arrested on May 9 outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark, during a visit with members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation. Federal authorities alleged he had trespassed and “ignored multiple warnings” to leave the secure area of the facility.

However, witnesses and video evidence suggested Baraka had already left the secure area when federal agents decided to arrest him on public property outside the facility’s gates. This discrepancy appeared to be a central point in the judge’s criticism of the prosecution’s case.

Baraka’s Legal Team Confident of Vindication

Rahul Agrawal, one of Baraka’s attorneys, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating: “If this matter had proceeded to trial, we feel confident that Mayor Baraka would be vindicated. We have believed from the outset that these charges did not and would not survive scrutiny.”

Baraka left the speaking to his attorneys during Wednesday’s hearing, but he has consistently maintained that the charges against him were politically motivated and baseless. After the hearing concluded, Baraka was caught on a hot mic reacting to the judge’s rebuke of prosecutors, saying: “Jesus, he tore these people a new asshole. Good grief.”

The mayor has argued that Delaney Hall is operating illegally, and the city of Newark is currently suing GEO Group, the private-prison company that operates the facility, alleging it hasn’t obtained the necessary certificates to open the building. That lawsuit is ongoing, according to Politico.

Charges Against Congresswoman Still Standing

While the judge dismissed charges against Baraka, the case against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) is proceeding. McIver was charged Monday with assaulting and impeding law enforcement officers during the same incident that led to Baraka’s arrest.

McIver has denied any wrongdoing, describing the charges as “purely political” and designed to “criminalize and deter legislative oversight.” She was one of three Democratic members of Congress conducting what they described as an oversight visit to the facility when the confrontation with federal agents occurred.

The case against McIver represents a rare instance of federal criminal charges against a sitting member of Congress for actions not related to fraud or corruption. A preliminary hearing in her case is scheduled for June 11.

Dispute Over Detention Facility Continues

The underlying dispute concerns Delaney Hall, a 1,100-bed facility in Newark’s East Ward that began housing immigrant detainees earlier this month. Baraka and city officials contend the facility is operating without proper authorization, while federal authorities maintain it is legally operating under federal authority.

The city’s lawsuit against GEO Group alleges the company hasn’t obtained necessary certificates to open the building. Meanwhile, the conflict has escalated into a broader political dispute over immigration enforcement policies and local control.

The dismissal of charges against Baraka marks a significant victory for the mayor, who is currently running for governor of New Jersey in the Democratic primary scheduled for June 10. However, the political fallout from the confrontation continues to reverberate through New Jersey and national politics.

Underrated Posts With Major ‘Why Didn’t I See This?’ Energy