Mayor Ras J. Baraka criticizes federal agents for “reckless” pursuit that violated city law and endangered residents.
NEWARK, NJ – A vehicle pursuit led by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents ended in a multi-car crash Monday morning, leaving three children injured and prompting sharp criticism from Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who accused ICE of acting “recklessly” within city limits.
U.S. Senator Cory Booker joined Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka Tuesday in denouncing a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pursuit that ended in a violent crash injuring three children. Booker called the incident “unacceptable and deeply troubling,” demanding accountability and a review of ICE’s pursuit policies.
A video of the crash was later posted on X detailing the scene of the incident.
Key Points
- ICE agents pursued a van that fled during an investigation on Shanley Avenue.
- The chase ended in a collision at Clinton Avenue and 10th Street involving multiple vehicles.
- Mayor Baraka condemned ICE’s actions, calling them a violation of local law and public safety.
The incident began when ICE agents attempted to stop a van on Shanley Avenue. The driver fled, prompting a pursuit through Newark’s South Ward. The chase ended at the intersection of Clinton Avenue and 10th Street, where the van collided with several other vehicles. Among the injured were three children—two 15-year-olds and a 12-year-old—who were taken to the hospital. ICE reported the suspect also sustained injuries.
Mayor slams ICE for “reckless endangerment”
Mayor Baraka issued a statement condemning the federal agency, stressing that Newark police were not involved in the chase and only responded after the crash. He urged federal authorities to “adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits” and to “exercise common sense.”
“ICE cannot come into our city and recklessly put innocent people in harm’s way while they try to apprehend their targets,” Baraka said. He reminded that New Jersey state law prohibits law enforcement from initiating vehicle pursuits unless a suspect poses an imminent threat.
Booker demands federal review
Booker, who previously served as Newark’s mayor, said in a statement that ICE’s actions endangered lives and ignored local laws. “This was a preventable tragedy,” he said. “ICE agents put children and families at risk by engaging in a high-speed chase through our city. These tactics have no place in our communities.”
The senator called on the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General to open an immediate investigation into the pursuit. He also said he would push for congressional oversight hearings on ICE operations that disregard state or municipal restrictions.
“Federal agents are not above the law,” Booker said. “We cannot allow rogue enforcement actions to terrorize neighborhoods under the guise of public safety.”
Federal and local tensions over enforcement tactics
The mayor’s rebuke reflects ongoing tension between Newark officials and federal immigration enforcement practices. Baraka said ICE’s approach was “lawless” and warned that such pursuits could have fatal consequences. “Somebody could have been killed in Newark today,” he added.
As of Tuesday, local authorities confirmed the children were recovering and no fatalities were reported. ICE has not yet released a statement addressing the mayor’s remarks or the cause of the pursuit.
