ICE Agents' Car Chase in Newark Triggers Multi-Vehicle Collision, Mayor Denounces Actions
A high-speed pursuit involving federal immigration enforcement officers resulted in a serious multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey, according to city officials. The incident has sparked immediate criticism from local leadership over the safety and legality of such operations.
Chase Leads to Accident Involving Children
Mayor Ras Baraka detailed the event on social media, explaining that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to stop a van in Newark, the state's most populous city. When the driver refused to pull over and fled, the ICE agents initiated a chase that culminated in a collision involving several vehicles. Notably, one of the impacted cars was transporting three children, heightening concerns about public safety.
The driver of the van sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. However, the severity of the injuries and the specific reasons for ICE's pursuit remain unclear at this time. Baraka emphasized that Newark police were not part of the ICE investigation and only responded to the crash scene to assist.
Mayor Baraka Condemns Federal Tactics
In his statement on X, the Democratic mayor strongly criticized ICE's actions, labeling them as reckless and dangerous. He pointed out that New Jersey state law prohibits law enforcement from engaging in vehicle chases unless a suspect presents an immediate threat to public safety.
"Federal authorities should adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits and exercise common sense," Baraka asserted. "Based on the damage they are inflicting on our communities, ICE has no business engaging in chases at anytime, anywhere — but especially in densely populated areas, and on roads still being cleared from a significant snowstorm."
Requests for comment from spokespersons for Mayor Baraka, Newark police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and ICE were not immediately answered, leaving many questions about the incident unresolved.
Background on Mayor's Stance
This is not the first time Mayor Baraka has been involved in immigration-related protests. Last May, he was arrested and charged with trespassing while demonstrating in front of Delany Hall, a newly opened federal immigration detention center in Newark. The charge was subsequently dismissed, underscoring his ongoing advocacy against federal immigration enforcement practices in the city.
The crash highlights ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, with Baraka's comments reflecting broader concerns about community safety and legal compliance in urban areas.
