Newark Mayor Criticizes ICE Operation That Led to Multi-Vehicle Crash

Baraka says federal agents should follow local laws on vehicle pursuits in densely populated areas.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said a car chase involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents led to a multi-vehicle crash in the city on Wednesday, injuring the driver of the van being pursued. Baraka criticized ICE's actions as reckless and dangerous, noting that New Jersey state law prohibits law enforcement from chasing vehicles unless the suspect poses an immediate threat.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agencies and their impact on local communities. Baraka's criticism of ICE's actions highlights the tensions between federal and local authorities when it comes to immigration enforcement operations.

The details

According to Baraka, ICE agents attempted to pull over a van in Newark when the driver fled, leading the agents to give chase. This resulted in a multi-vehicle crash, with one vehicle carrying three children. The driver of the van was injured and taken to the hospital, though the extent of their injuries is unclear. Baraka stated that Newark police were not involved in the ICE investigation and only responded to the crash.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Ras Baraka

The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who criticized the ICE operation and the resulting multi-vehicle crash.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that was conducting the operation that led to the multi-vehicle crash in Newark.

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What they’re saying

“Federal authorities should adhere to local laws regarding vehicle pursuits and exercise common sense. 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.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (X)

What’s next

The Newark Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are expected to investigate the incident further to determine the circumstances surrounding the ICE operation and the resulting crash.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement agencies and local authorities, as well as the potential risks and consequences of high-speed chases in densely populated urban areas. It raises questions about the need for better coordination and adherence to local laws when it comes to immigration enforcement operations.