Federal judge blasts DOJ for charging Newark mayor with trespassing, approves dismissal

A federal judge in New Jersey on Wednesday slammed the Justice Department for arresting and charging Newark Democratic Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing over his appearance at a protest earlier this month.

Baraka was taken into custody after he protested outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in New Jersey, over its opening. Three Democratic lawmakers were also at the protest, including New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver, was later charged for her actions at the event.

The Justice Department's New Jersey field office announced it was dropping its charge against Baraka last week, when announcing a charge against McIver.

U.S. District Judge Andre Espinosa approved the request to dismiss the charge on Wednesday, stating the arrest was a “worrisome misstep” by the New Jersey U.S. attorney’s office.

“Your role is not to secure convictions at all costs, nor to satisfy public clamor, nor to advance political agendas,” Espinosa told DOJ lawyers, per The Hill. “Your allegiance is to the impartial application of the law, to the pursuit of truth and to the upholding of due process for all.” 

DOJ lawyer Stephen Demanovich acknowledged the judge's remarks, responding that it was the U.S. attorney's office’s goal “at all times” to uphold justice. 

The charge has been dismissed with prejudice, which means Baraka cannot be charged again with trespassing for that specific event. McIver is also expected to appear in court on Wednesday. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.