Latest news with #Habba
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Fox hits streets of NJ with federal taskforce led by Alina Habba: 'You can run but you can't hide'
An early morning raid in Newark, New Jersey giving criminals a loud wake-up call. The U.S. Marshals out on the streets, serving a warrant for a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member. The feds say the suspect is in the country illegally, wanted for a string of armed robberies on New York City subway. This is part of Operation Apex Hammer, a one-month statewide violent crime reduction initiative with federal, state, and local partners. The teams working to identify and apprehend gang-affiliated people and other violent offenders with active felony warrants, including MS-13, Tren de Aragua, the Sex Money Murder-Bloods, Rolling 60's Crips, and more. Trump Administration Sues Four New Jersey Cities Over Sanctuary Policies "The United States Marshals Service on a regular basis goes after the most violent fugitive offenders. People that are wanted for murder. People who are wanted for shootings," says the United States Marshal for the District of New Jersey Juan Mattos. Also, out in the streets with the task force was Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba. "We are doing multiple cases at once to make sure that we clean up as quickly as possible. Violent crime is number one. It is very clear from this administration. That is all we're focused on. So, the politics are done now, and it's honestly been amazing being here," says Habba. Read On The Fox News App Habba and the team waited for the main target to come out of the home and surrender. But he was not there. Instead, three migrants who the feds say are all in the country illegally walked out. Though, the search continues for the TDA suspect. Exclusive Video: Dhs Nabs Numerous Suspects In Dramatic Sting Of Rival La Gangs "He is a gang member of Tren de Aragua. But they think they have rights here that they just don't have. You are a criminal you need to get out," says Habba. Operation Apex Hammer is also targeting U.S. citizens with arrest warrants including a New Jersey woman who police say recently shot at least two people. Also, one man who was wanted for aggravated assault was arrested by the team. But he nearly got away using the fire escape. "You can run, but you cannot hide. I think that the message is loud and clear. Our Marshals and the partner agencies that work alongside of us will always be determined to bring people back to justice. No matter the passage of time, no matter how long it takes," says Marshal Mattos. Although the job is dangerous, Habba says she isn't worried about her safety on the operations, telling Fox she relies on her team and her strong faith. Also, remembering advice from President Trump: "One time the President told me do not worry about the people who tell you that they are going to hurt you. Worry about the ones that don't," says Habba. President Trump appointed Habba to be the Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Habba can serve in the role for 120 days until she needs to be confirmed by the senate. But, says she is not afraid of the challenge. "Unfortunately, one thing I've learned about the last four years is some people have made their mind up about who you are, they don't really know you, but I will tell you one thing, I'm doing my job every day regardless of what anybody thinks of me. My job right now is to be the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the state of New Jersey. This is not political, this is purely about being a prosecutor," says Habba. The operation will continue for the month of June. So far, dozens of suspected criminals have been article source: EXCLUSIVE: Fox hits streets of NJ with federal taskforce led by Alina Habba: 'You can run but you can't hide'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Newark mayor on arrest: ‘What they've done is egregious and it's authoritarian'
Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka (D) on Tuesday called his arrest last month 'egregious' and 'authoritarian,' as he made the case that interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba acted politically in bringing the misdemeanor charge. In an interview on MSNBC's 'The Beat with Ari Melber,' Baraka backed up his claim that the arrest was political by noting Habba, President Trump's former personal attorney, 'started tweeting immediately as soon as I was arrested,' and by pointing to past statements she made about turning New Jersey 'red.' 'I mean, all of that is not the purview of the law enforcement agencies of the state, the federal government, or the city, for that matter,' Baraka told Melber about Habba's past comments. 'We work together collectively to reduce violence and crime in our city. We don't campaign,' he continued. 'When we ask the U.S. Attorney's Office to help us or the DOJ, we don't ask them who they voted for for president. What we do is present evidence and information and try to organize with them to help us make our lives better in our city.' 'I think what they've done is egregious and it's authoritarian. And it needs to be pushed back against,' Baraka added. The interview was the mayor's first since filing a lawsuit earlier Tuesday against Habba in her personal capacity over his arrest last month outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility he was visiting with three Democratic members of Congress. The lawsuit includes claims of false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation, and accuses Habba of acting as a 'political operative, outside of any function intimately related to the judicial process.' The suit also names Ricky Patel, the Homeland Security Investigations agent in charge in Newark, in his personal capacity. Baraka was charged with a single misdemeanor trespassing charge last month after accompanying three members of the New Jersey congressional delegation — Bonnie Watson Coleman (D), Rob Menendez (D) and LaMonica McIver (D) — to the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark. Habba's office later moved to dismiss the count after charging McIver with assaulting law enforcement while at the facility. But Baraka alleged in the lawsuit that the arrest was baseless and targeted. In the interview, Baraka argued the way he was treated after his arrest was not normal, especially for a misdemeanor charge, for which people generally receive summons by mail, Baraka said. 'I was cuffed, fingerprinted, took pictures of, twice — once there and once in court for a class C misdemeanor — which you send summons to people for. You don't lock them up and take their fingerprints,' he told Melber. 'They said the charges are too minor to have a preliminary hearing,' he added. 'So if it's too minor to have a preliminary hearing, why are you fingerprinting me and taking pictures of me and interrogating me in a room? And why are you doing it twice?' Baraka also noted that his family was there during his arrest, describing the incident as 'humiliating.' 'When I was arrested, my mother was outside in house shoes in the rain, you know? And they don't see any of this. This is my family, my community who has to endure this. And they didn't even apologize for it,' Baraka added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- General
- The Hill
Newark mayor on arrest: ‘What they've done is egregious and it's authoritarian'
Newark, N.J., Mayor Ras Baraka (D) on Tuesday called his arrest last month 'egregious' and 'authoritarian,' as he made the case that interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba acted politically in bringing the misdemeanor charge. In an interview on MSNBC's 'The Beat with Ari Melber,' Baraka backed up his claim that the arrest was political by noting Habba, President Trump's former personal attorney, 'started tweeting immediately as soon as I was arrested,' and by pointing to past statements she made about turning New Jersey 'red.' 'I mean, all of that is not the purview of the law enforcement agencies of the state, the federal government, or the city, for that matter,' Baraka told Melber about Habba's past comments. 'We work together collectively to reduce violence and crime in our city. We don't campaign,' he continued. 'When we ask the U.S. Attorney's Office to help us or the DOJ, we don't ask them who they voted for for president. What we do is present evidence and information and try to organize with them to help us make our lives better in our city.' 'I think what they've done is egregious and it's authoritarian. And it needs to be pushed back against,' Baraka added. The interview was the mayor's first since filing a lawsuit earlier Tuesday against Habba in her personal capacity over his arrest last month outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility he was visiting with three Democratic members of Congress. The lawsuit includes claims of false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation, and accuses Habba of acting as a 'political operative, outside of any function intimately related to the judicial process.' The suit also names Ricky Patel, the Homeland Security Investigations agent in charge in Newark, in his personal capacity. Baraka was charged with a single misdemeanor trespassing charge last month after accompanying three members of the New Jersey congressional delegation — Bonnie Watson Coleman (D), Rob Menendez (D) and LaMonica McIver (D) — to the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark. Habba's office later moved to dismiss the count after charging McIver with assaulting law enforcement while at the facility. But Baraka alleged in the lawsuit that the arrest was baseless and targeted. In the interview, Baraka argued the way he was treated after his arrest was not normal, especially for a misdemeanor charge, for which people generally receive summons by mail, Baraka said. 'I was cuffed, fingerprinted, took pictures of, twice — once there and once in court for a class C misdemeanor — which you send summons to people for. You don't lock them up and take their fingerprints,' he told Melber. 'They said the charges are too minor to have a preliminary hearing,' he added. 'So if it's too minor to have a preliminary hearing, why are you fingerprinting me and taking pictures of me and interrogating me in a room? And why are you doing it twice?' Baraka also noted that his family was there during his arrest, describing the incident as 'humiliating.' 'When I was arrested, my mother was outside in house shoes in the rain, you know? And they don't see any of this. This is my family, my community who has to endure this. And they didn't even apologize for it,' Baraka added.
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Baraka v. Habba
Presented by Good Wednesday morning! It's a week before the primary, and Newark mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ras Baraka isn't ready to let those headlines about his arrest at an ICE facility fade. On Tuesday, he filed a lawsuit against Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and Ricky Patel, the special agent in charge at homeland security investigations in Newark. Is it a publicity stunt or a legitimate lawsuit? Why not both? It might be tough to overcome Habba's prosecutorial immunity, but the details that came out about the arrest shortly after were pretty damning for Habba, as demonstrated by Magistrate Judge André Espinosa's dressing down of her office when it dropped the charges. Espinosa's speech, in which he reminded Habba's office that its role 'is not to secure convictions at all costs, nor to satisfy public clamor, not to advance political agendas,' is quoted in full in the lawsuit. So are Habba's comments made on Fox News about the arrest, some of which are contradicted by video evidence, including Baraka being allowed within Delaney Hall's gated area and leaving after being told to. So is Habba's pledge to 'turn New Jersey red.' The suit alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution and defamation. Habba tried to head off the lawsuit by breaking the news herself Tuesday night. 'My advice to the mayor — feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety,' she wrote on Twitter. 'Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey.' Lawsuit aside, it's obvious that this arrest never should have happened. That's not my opinion. The facts are plain. What's not established, but could through discovery if the lawsuit proceeds, is whether there's evidence it was done for political purposes, as Baraka claims. Read more about it here FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — In Perth Amboy at 10 a.m. for a solar power event QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'I don't understand what's happening. There are six names here. Six! How am I supposed to know which one the important people want me to pick? Where are the instructions?' — A fake New Jersey Democratic primary voter made up by InsiderNJ columnist Joey Novick HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Thom Ammirato, Jim Manion, Rick Thigpen WHAT TRENTON MADE END OF THE LINE — Federal judge suggests new ballot design law is unconstitutional, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: The federal judge overseeing the litigation that ended the county line system in New Jersey is suggesting that the state's new ballot design may not pass constitutional muster. U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi said in a Tuesday court filing that 'the amendments likely do not remove the unconstitutional practices alleged.' He did not make any decisions on the new law, which shifted New Jersey's primary ballots to an office block ballot design based on his ruling last year. He also invited the plaintiffs to amend their complaint to address the state's new ballot design law. 'He didn't make any rulings that any particular aspect of the new law was unconstitutional,' attorney Brett Pugach, who represents the plaintiffs in the case, said in a phone interview. 'But he seemed to acknowledge that there may be features of the new law that retain unconstitutional aspects of the prior county line system.' — Judge dismisses Camden County Democrats from county line lawsuit, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: A judge has dismissed the Camden County Democratic Committee's defense of the county line in a federal lawsuit, ruling the party doesn't have standing to continue. Judge Zahid Quraishi granted the motion by plaintiffs, who include Democratic Sen. Andy Kim and the Working Families Party, to dismiss the Camden County Democrats, leaving the Bergen and Union County clerks as the sole remaining defendants. The Camden County Democrats were the last party arguing that there is a constitutional right to to use the 'county line.' TRUST FAIL — Immigrant Trust Act stalls as senators say AG advised against it, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: Senate President Nick Scutari does not plan to advance high-profile immigration legislation, citing concerns that doing so could undermine the state's existing pro-immigrant protections. Scutari said his concerns stem from a similar sentiment from state Attorney General Matt Platkin. Another state senator confirmed to POLITICO that Platkin has expressed concerns that passing the Immigrant Trust Act. … could open the state to litigation that could undermine New Jersey's existing practice that limits state and local cops from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. … When asked whether he would advance the bill, Scutari said 'no.' 'I think you should ask the attorney general his position on it,' Scutari told POLITICO when asked why he would not advance the legislation. 'His position is that he has a directive that's stood up to judicial scrutiny. Anything that we can do is probably [going to] mess that up.' I KNOW HOW YOU DID LAST SUMMER — 'NJ Transit looks to improve services ahead of fare hike and major events,' by WHYY's P. Kenneth Burns: 'NJ Transit dealt with a lot last summer. More than 1,800 trains were canceled because of Amtrak's infrastructure issues, the weather or mechanical problems. Agency CEO Kris Kolluri said his team is working hard and preparing to ensure that riders have a smoother experience going forward. 'That is the plan,' he said. 'We not only have to worry about our regular commuting service, we also have to focus on those very big special events where a mass transit system has to work.'' MURPHY IS GOING TO NEED IT IN 7 MONTHS — 'Governor says cuts to federal funding for upgrading unemployment systems 'undermine' workers,' by New Jersey Monitor's Sophie Nieto Munoz: 'Gov. Phil Murphy criticized the federal government for terminating programs aimed at modernizing the unemployment insurance system, which suffered under the stress of hundreds of thousands of claimants applying for jobless benefits at the height of the pandemic. 'At a time of increased uncertainty about the U.S. economy, the last thing the federal government should be doing is taking away resources from states' unemployment insurance systems,' Murphy said in a statement Monday. … The Trump administration is terminating $400 million in funds for states across the country to modernize their unemployment systems, money that was authorized in the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act passed under the Biden administration. … New Jersey received nearly $25 million for its upgrades. The grant money was expected to be accessible for tech upgrades through 2028.' MISSING REPORTS — While most super PACs backing candidates for governor filed 11-day preelection reports Friday with the Election Law Enforcement Commission, a couple were notably absent: One backing Democrat Ras Baraka and one backing Republican Bill Spadea. The pro-Baraka super PAC, One New Jersey United, had nearly $500,000 in the bank when it last disclosed with the Federal Election Commission in April. But had it filed an 11-day preelection report with ELEC, it would have shown what it's raised and spent up to May 27. The pro-Spadea PAC, Legacy of Liberty, is more opaque. It registered with ELEC earlier this year but did not file an 11-day report. The super PAC was best known for arranging and then aborting a fundraiser featuring Lara Trump, who backed out because of rules prohibiting Fox News hosts from such events. It announced two ads, but it's not clear whether they aired. ELEC only requires independent expenditure groups to publicly disclose if they've spent at least $7,500 on electioneering within 30 days of the primary. It's possible that Legacy of Liberty did not. But One New Jersey United spent at least $15,000 on online ads as of mid-May, according to AdImpact. I reached out to both super PACs but didn't hear back. —Senator: Bill to allow teens to vote in school boards not expected to advance immediately —'NJ electric bills are about to jump 20% — who's to blame and what can you do?' — 'Physical therapy facility built for Fulop's wife raises more ethical questions' —'How should NJ spend its share of national opioid settlement funds?' —'Brennan & Bhalla call for N.J. ban on rent-setting algorithms ahead of Hoboken vote' —'Make N.J. affordable. Fight for freedoms. I'm Sean Spiller, running of N.J. governor' —'MVC issue causes voter to be disenfranchised' TRUMP ERA EXPECT PROTESTS FROM WIND TURNBINE OPPONENTS WHO CITED WHALE SAFETY — 'Trump paves way for revival of natural gas pipeline through New Jersey, under Raritan Bay,' by MyCentralJersey's Mike Deak: 'The fight is back on. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco), citing executive orders signed by President Trump on his inauguration day, has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the reissuance of permission to construct and operate the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, which calls for about 23 miles of a natural gas pipeline that would pass through Central Jersey then under Raritan Bay to Long Island. FERC's permission for Transco, which is owned by Oklahoma-based Williams which handles roughly more than a third of the nation's natural gas, to undertake the project lapsed about a year ago after both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation denied the necessary Transco has asked FERC to reauthorize the project by Aug. 29 so the company can begin construction by the end of the year. Transco is not proposing any changes to the plan. Transco said it has already begun talks with officials in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to obtain the permits' —'Anti-offshore wind groups seek to kill project Trump halted, then revived' FINALLY, SOMEONE'S STICKING UP FOR THE BANKERS — 'Feds seek to ditch settlement over alleged redlining with North Jersey bank,' by The Record's Daniel Munoz and Michael L. Diamond: 'The Trump administration is asking a judge to drop a 2022 settlement the Justice Department had reached with North Jersey-based Lakeland Bank — which was later absorbed by Provident Bank — over allegations of redlining against Black and Hispanic customers. While Provident Bank said it will continue to provide low-cost mortgages to underserved communities, the motion by the U.S. Justice Department to abandon the settlement has drawn the ire of community advocates and legal experts, who say it would make it easier for banks to engage in redlining. 'It goes without saying it's a good thing when financial institutions are complying with those consent orders, but when you take away the teeth — the actual enforcement — who's to say that they will continue to comply,' said Leila Amirhamzeh, director of community reinvestment for New Jersey Citizen Action' MR. SMITH STAYS IN WASHINGTON — 'As the Medicaid debate rages, can NJ Republicans answer these questions?' by The Record's Charles Stile: 'Two New Jersey Republican congressmen quelled a rebellion last month in Ocean County — the heart of Trump Country in New Jersey — over looming steep cuts to Medicaid. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-Cape May, and Rep. Chris Smith, R-Monmouth, spoke to several members of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners who were drafting a resolution opposing cuts to the popular and lifesaving health coverage program for working-class and poor Americans … the Ocean County commissioners are now poised to do an about-face after being assuaged by Van Drew and Smith that the 'Big Beautiful' takes aim only at the undeserving who milk the system with 'waste, fraud and abuse.' Undocumented migrants who rely on Medicaid will also see their benefits cut … But as the bill now moves to the Senate, the nagging, unanswered doubts about the legislation and those talking-point claims of relatively pain-free Medicaid cuts need to be publicly addressed by New Jersey Republicans in the congressional delegation. Perhaps instead of sending out carefully scrubbed statements and talking privately to political allies eager for reassurance, it's now time — possibly in a town hall setting — for Van Drew, Smith and maybe Rep. Thomas H. Kean Jr. to answer some of those questions. They won't go away.' — ''Back the Boss' signs in Asbury Park show support for Springsteen in tussle with Trump' LOCAL LEPORE JUDGMENT — 'N.J. judge suspended after ignoring warnings about his social media behavior,' by NJ Advance Media's Colleen Murphy: 'A New Jersey municipal judge has been suspended by the New Jersey Supreme Court for two months without pay after a state ethics panel found his personal Facebook activity crossed the line into judicial misconduct. Judge Robert M. LePore, who serves part-time in Point Pleasant Beach, was formally disciplined for publicly supporting law enforcement, political candidates, and local businesses on social media—behavior the New Jersey Supreme Court said undermined the appearance of impartiality expected from the bench. … LePore 'liked' a Facebook group that criticized New Jersey's bail reform laws, a system he helps enforce, and he maintained visible ties to local attorneys, realtors, and political candidates on the platform.' NEIL YOUNG'S HARVEST OF GOLD — 'Weed money is flowing to some South Jersey communities,' by The Press of Atlantic City's Bill Barlow: 'Middle Township expects some additional revenue from its first cannabis dispensary this year. But officials don't yet know what that number will be. 'It's still too early to tell,' said Neil Young, the township's chief financial officer. … A benefit for towns allowing cannabis sales is a provision allowing them to charge a 2% tax on local sales, which can offset local taxes. West Cape May took in more than $200,000 from cannabis taxes last year, according to that community's budget document, while Egg Harbor Township made more than a half million dollars from weed sales in 2024. Atlantic City, which has sought to position itself as the cannabis capital of the East, did not do as well, according to numbers released by the city. In 2023, the first year for legal cannabis sales in Atlantic City, the city took in $88,704 from cannabis taxes, according to numbers provided by city spokesman Andrew Kramer. In 2024, the collection was $242,444. The city is still collecting cannabis revenue, so numbers could change, Kramer said.' AT A FAMILY STRIP CLUB!?— 'N.J. couple admits to operating 'house of prostitution' at family owned strip club,' by NJ Advance Media's Nicolas Fernandez: 'A husband and wife have pleaded guilty to charges related to operating a prostitution ring at their family owned gentleman's club, authorities said. An investigation of the illicit side business at XXXV Club started in 2022. Authorities alleged that the strip club, located on Route 35 in Sayreville, had spent years operating a 'house of prostitution' inside the club and failed to pay taxes on cash payments received from the illegal activities.' … They originally faced more serious charges, including money laundering and racketeering.' SUEKORSKY —'Hoboken to sue to halt non-essential helicopter activity: 'The FAA has failed us',' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'The City of Hoboken will be filing a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after they failed to halt non-essential helicopter activity, officials said today. 'Enough is enough. Our residents should not have to bear the constant noise, air pollution, and safety risks of unnecessary helicopter tourism,' Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement. … Legal action against the FAA arises out of its failure to perform oversight responsibilities, particularly in enforcing altitude restrictions over urban residential areas, city officials proclaimed on Tuesday.' —'Paterson budget rejection prolongs city's fiscal impasse' —Snowflack: 'The battle of Monmouth - for the true Republican' —'Atlantic County employee accused of stealing county fuel for his private business' —'Manalapan mayor's wife accused of $5K theft from home where she worked' —'Surfer tackled by [Belmar] cop takes plea deal in beach badge case' EVERYTHING ELSE —'Off-duty state cop charged in 100-mph encounter that left motorcyclist dead' —'Cops violated man's civil rights by putting tracker on car in driveway, judges rule' —'Bill Ritter steps down from 5 p.m. 'Eyewitness News,' Here's why and what's next' —'Wellpoint New Jersey, Jackals to rename field at historic Hinchliffe Stadium'
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- General
- AsiaOne
New Jersey mayor sues Trump officials over arrest at immigration centre, World News
WASHINGTON - The mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who was arrested by US immigration agents at a detention centre last month, sued two law enforcement officials on Tuesday (June 3), alleging the arrest was part of a politically motivated move by President Donald Trump's administration. Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat who is now running for New Jersey governor, alleges in the lawsuit that he was wrongly arrested for trespassing without cause and maliciously prosecuted following a tense confrontation at a privately run immigration detention centre in Newark on May 9. The encounter drew widespread attention at a time of growing clashes between the Trump administration and Democrats over Trump's hardline approach to immigration. Baraka was arrested after US authorities said he refused to leave the facility, known as Delaney Hall, where US Representative LaMonica McIver and two other Democratic members of Congress from New Jersey were conducting an oversight visit. His complaint names as defendants Alina Habba, the acting US attorney in New Jersey who brought the case and is a former personal lawyer to Trump, and Ricky Patel, a Department of Homeland Security official in Newark, who allegedly ordered the arrest. In a post on X following reports that Baraka planned to sue, Habba said Baraka should "join me in prioritising violent crime and public safety." "Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey," she wrote. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: "The American people saw with their own eyes his actions that put the safety of our law enforcement agents and the staff at Delaney Hall at risk." Prosecutors dropped the case against Baraka 10 days after his arrest. Habba said the decision was made "for the sake of moving forward" but offered no further explanation. Her office then charged McIver with assaulting and resisting officers who were trying to arrest Baraka. McIver has not yet entered a plea but has denounced the charges as political intimidation. Baraka's lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in New Jersey, alleges a guard invited Baraka onto the property and he agreed to leave after he was threatened with arrest. Stephen Demanovich, one of the prosecutors assigned to the McIver case and the now-dismissed case against Baraka, is not a career member of the office, and was tapped by Habba in May to serve as her counsel. Shortly before joining her office, he moderated a panel hosted by conservative legal group the Federalist Society entitled "The Weaponisation of DOJ?" Baraka's case is likely to face legal barriers given broad protections for US officials acting in an official role. His complaint alleges Habba and Patel acted outside their formal responsibilities. The lawsuit alleges violations of the US Constitution and defamation. It seeks an unspecified sum in damages for emotional distress, reputational damage and other harms. [[nid:718472]]
