Newark Mayor Criticizes ICE Over Multi-Vehicle Crash

Baraka says federal immigration agents caused a chase that led to an accident involving several vehicles, including one carrying children.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after a car chase involving federal immigration officers led to a multi-vehicle crash in the city. Baraka said the ICE agents attempted to pull over a van, but the driver fled, resulting in a chase that caused the accident. The mayor said the driver of the van was injured and taken to the hospital, and that Newark police were not involved in the ICE investigation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement agencies, as well as concerns about the safety and legality of vehicle pursuits by ICE agents in densely populated urban areas.

The details

According to Baraka, the ICE agents were pursuing a van when the driver fled, leading to a chase that resulted in a multi-vehicle crash. The mayor said the crash involved several vehicles, including one carrying three children. Baraka criticized the ICE agents' actions as reckless and dangerous, noting that New Jersey state law bans law enforcement from chasing vehicles unless the suspect poses an immediate threat.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey.

The players

Ras Baraka

The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who criticized the ICE agents' actions as reckless and dangerous.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency whose agents were involved in the car chase 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)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement agencies, as well as the need for greater coordination and adherence to local laws and safety protocols when conducting operations in densely populated urban areas.