A recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at a Newark worksite has drawn sharp criticism from Mayor Ras Baraka and other Democratic officials. They allege the raid resulted in the detention of undocumented individuals and a U.S. citizen, with the latter reportedly having their military documentation questioned. Mayor Baraka condemned the operation, labeling it a violation of the Fourth Amendment and an "egregious act." He pledged to protect the rights of Newark residents and expressed concern about the alleged lack of a warrant during the raid.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed the agency might encounter and request identification from U.S. citizens during field operations. They stated this occurred during the Newark operation, which they classified as an active investigation and declined to comment further on. This raid comes amidst a nationwide increase in ICE operations under President Trump's administration, focusing on illegal immigration. Trump’s "border czar" Tom Homan has indicated that while public safety threats are prioritized, anyone in the country illegally is subject to scrutiny.

New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim echoed Mayor Baraka's concerns, demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security. They expressed worry about the impact of such actions on communities and called for solutions rather than "fear tactics." Rep. LaMonica McIver also criticized the raid, vowing to defend the rights of her constituents. Mayor Baraka, currently running for New Jersey governor, has a progressive platform that includes sanctuary state laws and other social programs.

In the initial days of the Trump administration, ICE reported over 460 arrests of individuals residing in the country illegally, including those with prior criminal records. These arrests spanned multiple states and involved people from various countries.