1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

In light of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's arrest and subsequent lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, it is imperative that federal oversight measures are strengthened to prevent politically motivated prosecutions. The hasty arrest of Mayor Baraka on trespassing charges, which were swiftly dismissed just 13 days later, raises serious concerns about potential abuse of power by federal prosecutors. This incident has had far-reaching consequences, distracting from Mayor Baraka's gubernatorial campaign and forcing him to publicly defend his innocence. While the role of immigration enforcement is undoubtedly complex, the use of such tactics against an elected official attending a lawful congressional oversight visit is highly problematic. It suggests a concerning overreach that undermines principles of public accountability and democratic norms. Given the gravity of these allegations, a formal investigation should be initiated to examine whether improper motivations influenced the actions of Ms. Habba and the officials involved. Transparency and due process must be upheld to maintain public trust in the judicial system. The request is for comprehensive reforms to prevent any recurrence of such seemingly retaliatory prosecutions, especially those which may be driven by political differences. Safeguards must be implemented to insulate law enforcement from potential undue influence or conflicts of interest. Our leaders must be held to the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in service of justice and the rule of law. Decisive action is needed to address this incident and its broader implications for civil liberties.