Key takeaways:

• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka states that ICE raided a local business, detaining both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens, including a military veteran.
• The raid has been criticized for being conducted without a warrant, violating Fourth Amendment rights.
• The incident aligns with increasing immigration enforcement as the Trump administration resumes aggressive policies on undocumented residents.

In a recent incident that has amplified tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, expressed grave concerns about a raid conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Mayor Ras Baraka reported that the operation, which occurred on Thursday, detained both undocumented migrants and American citizens, including a U.S. military veteran, without presenting a warrant.

Baraka condemned the actions, stating, "This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," underscoring Newark's history as a sanctuary city that has previously protected immigrant populations. The mayor noted that the detainees, some of whom were citizens, were subjected to such treatment under the new policies of the Trump administration, which aim to impose a stricter crackdown on illegal immigration.

Comments from ICE defended the operation, highlighting that agents "may request identification to establish an individual's identity" while conducting fieldwork. They confirmed that they executed a targeted enforcement operation in Newark but did not disclose the specifics of the raid.

Criticism from Democratic lawmakers echoed Baraka's sentiments. Representative LaMonica McIver and Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim issued statements denouncing ICE’s tactics, denouncing them as fear-inducing measures that sow discord among communities. McIver asserted, "We will always fight for the dignity and rights of everyone in our district and across the country."

As the Trump administration reclaims power, its commitment to enforcing stricter immigration policies has not gone unnoticed. The ICE raid aligns with President Trump’s promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, actively targeting so-called sanctuary cities. The administration noted in recent updates that approximately 538 arrests were made nationwide in conjunction with the Newark raid.

Baraka pledged to "not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized," further indicating plans to organize public responses against these unlawful actions. As the backlash grows, local communities brace themselves amid a fraught atmosphere of raids and increased immigration scrutiny.

For further details, refer to the full articles on USA Today and CBS News.