Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a federal lawsuit against New Jersey’s interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, accusing her of political retaliation stemming from his controversial arrest earlier this month at a federal immigration detention center. The suit, which alleges false arrest and malicious prosecution, comes just days before Baraka faces a critical Democratic primary in his bid for governor.

The legal complaint claims that Habba, appointed under the Trump administration, authorized criminal charges without merit after Baraka attempted to join a scheduled oversight visit to the Delaney Hall immigration facility alongside three Democratic members of Congress. Although charges of defiant trespass were dropped less than two weeks later, Baraka argues the incident was politically driven and aimed at damaging his reputation.

The lawsuit cites a social media post in which Habba claimed Baraka had “committed trespass,” calling it a “defamatory statement.” The filing also names Ricky Patel, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent in charge of the Newark field office, as a co-defendant. According to Baraka’s attorneys, both officials “knowingly authorized the false arrest” despite video evidence showing the mayor had not violated the law.

“This is not about revenge,” Baraka said at a press conference on Monday. “This is about accountability. This is about protecting the integrity of public office from politically motivated abuse of power.”

The May 9 arrest, partially captured on video, showed Baraka being led away in handcuffs after walking from inside the facility’s perimeter to a street where protesters had gathered. Onlookers can be heard yelling in support of the mayor as tensions rose during the confrontation.

Though Baraka’s charges were quickly dismissed, fallout from the incident continues. Representative LaMonica McIver, who accompanied Baraka during the visit, was later charged with assaulting officers during the altercation—a charge she has denied.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa criticized Habba’s office in a court filing after the case was dismissed. “The hasty arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, followed swiftly by the dismissal of these trespassing charges a mere 13 days later, suggests a worrisome misstep by your Office,” Espinosa wrote.

Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed immigration detention center located in Newark, opened earlier this year under a $1 billion, 15-year contract awarded to Florida-based private prison operator Geo Group Inc. The facility has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights groups and progressive lawmakers since its opening.

Baraka’s lawsuit adds a legal dimension to an already heated election season, where his campaign has leaned into themes of government transparency and civil rights. As the Democratic primary looms, the mayor’s legal fight could galvanize supporters—or further inflame political tensions within the state.