Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has criticised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a car chase by its agents led to a multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Newark, New Jersey, when ICE agents attempted to pull over a van, prompting the driver to flee.
In a statement on social media, Baraka said the pursuit resulted in a collision involving several vehicles, including one carrying three children. The driver of the van was injured and taken to hospital, but the extent of his injuries and the reason for the chase remain unclear.
Baraka emphasised that Newark police were not involved in the ICE operation and only responded to the crash. He accused the federal agents of acting recklessly, noting that New Jersey law prohibits vehicle pursuits unless a suspect poses an immediate threat.
“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.”
Requests for comment from Baraka’s office, Newark police, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE were not immediately answered. Baraka, a Democrat, was arrested last May during a protest at a new federal immigration detention centre in Newark, though the charge was later dismissed.
