NEWARK, N.J. — Federal immigration officers were involved in a pursuit that ended in a multi-car collision Wednesday in New Jersey’s most populous city, according to local officials.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced through social media that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to stop a van when the operator chose to escape. The mayor explained that federal agents pursued the vehicle, which led to a collision involving multiple cars, one of which had three children as passengers.
According to Baraka, the van’s operator sustained injuries and was transported to a medical facility.
The severity of the driver’s injuries remains unknown, as does the reason ICE was attempting to apprehend the individual. Baraka clarified that Newark’s police department had no involvement in the federal investigation and only responded to handle the accident scene.
Representatives from the mayor’s office, Newark police, the Department of Homeland Security, and ICE have not yet provided responses to requests for additional information.
However, the Democratic mayor used his statement on X to condemn ICE’s conduct as irresponsible and hazardous. He pointed out that New Jersey’s state regulations prohibit law enforcement from pursuing vehicles unless a suspect represents an immediate danger.
“Federal authorities should adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits and exercise common sense,” Baraka said. “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.”
Last May, Baraka faced arrest and trespassing charges during a demonstration outside Delany Hall, a recently opened federal immigration detention facility located in his city. Those charges were subsequently dropped.
