INTERVIEW: Mayor Ras Baraka Talks NJ Mayoral Race, Trump, ICE; Lawsuit After Arrest + More

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, host DJ Envy welcomes Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for a candid discussion ahead of the city's mayoral election. Baraka reflects on his three terms as mayor, highlighting major accomplishments like reducing Newark’s homicide rate to its lowest level since 1953, replacing 23,000 lead service lines in under three years, and advancing affordable housing and community-led initiatives like mutual aid grocery stores. He discusses the challenges of long-term leadership, the impact of federal policies under Trump—including attacks on social services and ICE operations—and the importance of civic education to combat voter apathy and misinformation. Baraka also addresses tensions between local law enforcement and federal agencies, particularly during high-profile ICE pursuits, and defends his city’s stance on non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He speaks openly about being arrested and subsequently filing a defamation lawsuit against the federal government, framing it as a necessary act of accountability in a politically charged climate. The conversation closes with Baraka emphasizing legacy, community engagement, and the need for young Black voters to be meaningfully included in governance.