MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA STATEMENT ON ICE PURSUIT RESULTING IN CAR ACCIDENT IN NEWARK

"This morning ICE was conducting an investigation on Shanley Avenue involving a van they tried to pull over. The van fled the scene and ICE pursued it. The chase led to an accident at Clinton Avenue and 10th Street, involving several vehicles, one of which had three children as passengers, two 15-year-olds and one 12-year-old. The suspect sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. Newark police were not involved in the investigation and only responded to the accident.

"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. ICE cannot come into our city and recklessly put innocent people in harm's way while they try to apprehend their targets.

"State law prohibits law enforcement from chasing vehicles unless the suspect poses an imminent threat.

"This is our city. These are our people. And this behavior is in keeping with a rabid, lawless pattern seen nationally. Somebody could have been killed in Newark today. These agents have to adhere to local laws."

For more, please go HERE.