In a controversial move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid at a worksite in Newark, New Jersey, on Thursday, detaining both undocumented migrants and American citizens.
The city’s mayor, Ras Baraka, strongly condemned the action, stating that it violated constitutional rights and even included the detention of a military veteran. This raid comes as part of former President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, following his executive orders aimed at mass deportations.
ICE Raids Worksite Without Warrant
According to Mayor Baraka, ICE agents failed to provide a warrant before detaining individuals at the Newark worksite. The raid targeted undocumented residents, but American citizens were also detained and asked for identification.
One of the detainees was a U.S. military veteran, who, according to the mayor, faced humiliation when the legitimacy of his military documentation was questioned. An ICE spokesperson later defended the agency’s actions, stating that during field operations, agents might encounter U.S.
citizens and request identification to confirm their status. ICE also confirmed that they were investigating the incident.
Newark’s Sanctuary Policies and Baraka’s Response
Newark has long been recognized for its “sanctuary” policies, which protect undocumented immigrants by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In 2017, Mayor Baraka signed an executive order reinforcing Newark’s status as a sanctuary city, making it one of the many places in the U.S. that oppose federal immigration crackdowns.
Following the raid, Baraka criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration and declared that Newark would not tolerate unconstitutional actions against its residents. He accused ICE of unlawfully terrorizing people and violating their rights under the U.S. Constitution.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown
The Newark raid is part of a broader initiative under Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. Shortly after taking office, Trump signed executive orders aimed at deporting millions of undocumented immigrants and punishing officials who resist federal immigration enforcement.
On Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that 538 individuals were arrested nationwide, describing them as “illegal immigrant criminals.” She claimed that among those detained were members of a Venezuelan prison gang and individuals convicted of sex crimes. However, no further details were provided.
Do Undocumented Immigrants Commit More Crimes?
Despite claims by the Trump administration linking undocumented migrants to crime, various studies suggest otherwise.
Research from academics and think tanks has repeatedly found that immigrants, including those without legal status, do not commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born Americans. This contradicts the narrative that has often been used to justify mass deportation policies.
Sanctuary Cities and Nationwide ICE Raids
Sanctuary cities, like Newark, have long been a target of federal immigration enforcement. In 2022, around 44% of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. resided in states with sanctuary laws that restrict local cooperation with ICE.
Additionally, many cities and counties in states without sanctuary laws have their own policies to protect immigrants. Earlier this week, media reports confirmed that nearly 500 undocumented migrants with outstanding criminal charges were arrested in sanctuary cities, including in New York and New Jersey.
ICE officials stated that these arrests took place over the course of two days, further signaling an intensification of immigration enforcement efforts.
The Newark raid has reignited the debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in the U.S. While federal authorities argue that these actions target criminals, critics—including Mayor Baraka—see them as unconstitutional crackdowns that instill fear in immigrant communities. As the Trump administration continues its push for mass deportations, the legal and ethical implications of such raids will likely remain a hotly debated issue across the country.