Democracy Dies in DarknessThe Justice Department charged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka with trespassing during a visit to an ICE facility in the city, but days later has now dropped the case.Updated May 21, 2025Newark Mayor Ras Baraka speaks to supporters and media after a court appearance Thursday. (Ted Shaffrey/AP), and NEWARK — A magistrate judge upbraided federal prosecutors Wednesday as he granted their request to dismiss its trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, calling the government’s abrupt about-face “a worrisome misstep” in a case that has stoked a political firestorm.