The federal trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been dismissed after his arrest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba announced Monday.
While the case against Baraka was dropped, Habba announced her office has charged Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who was at the ICE facility when the mayor was taken into custody.
U.S. attorney drops charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
Baraka’s arrest happened on May 9 outside Delaney Hall, an ICE facility housing migrants in Newark, during a visit with members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
“After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward,” Habba said in a statement posted to social media Monday. 
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“I am glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed. I have had strong relationships with prior U.S. Attorneys, and I plan to speak with the current U.S. Attorney about issues on which we can cooperate. As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations,” Baraka said in a statement.
Baraka, a Democrat currently running for governor of New Jersey, has criticized the ICE facility housing migrants in his city. He and others have argued it is dangerous and illegal, and that the private company that signed a contract with ICE blocked inspections and did not obtain permits. The Department of Homeland Security denies those claims.
“I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand,” Habba’s statement continued. “The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe. The dismissal against the mayor is not the end of this matter.”
Baraka, appeared in court last week. At the time, prosecutors indicated they would take the case to trial.
