ACLU-NJ Responds to Mayor Baraka’s Appearance in Federal Court  

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2025

NEWARK – The following statement can be attributed to ACLU of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha:

“Mayors are not agents of federal immigration enforcement and their job is to protect their constituents, especially from federal policies that place limits on fundamental rights at the core of our democracy. Mayor Baraka was targeted by the Trump administration for refusing to be complicit with its ongoing violations of due process. His arrest is all part of the president’s shameful intimidation campaign against those who will not do his bidding.

“It's clear that the Trump administration is trying to silence opposition through fear. But New Jersey will not be intimidated by authoritarianism."

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The ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all since our founding in 1960. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and expand the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities. We strive to be anti-racist and are actively committed to advancing racial justice for the people of New Jersey. We are a non-partisan organization that operates across political, legal, and cultural fronts to bring about change and build a more equitable society. www.aclu-nj.org