(NewsNation) — Outrage is mounting across the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials intensify their efforts under the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown.
Over the weekend, officers drew national attention for arresting Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was charged with trespassing while attempting to visit a New Jersey detention facility Friday.
The incident echoed escalating tensions, which have not been limited to traditionally democratic states.
ICE arrests 100+ in Nashville in a week
In Tennessee, ICE collaborated with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in a large-scale operation in the Nashville area. Over a week, more than 500 traffic stops were conducted, resulting in more than 100 immigration-related arrests.
While some were arrested on DUI charges or outstanding warrants, nearly 100 were detained for immigration violations, officials said. Many were quickly transported to detention centers in Louisiana, leaving families with little information.
Immigration officers said some of the arrests involved gang members and sex offenders, drawing support from some elected officials, such as Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.
But Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell criticized the operation, saying the city was neither informed nor involved.
One woman interviewed by NewsNation affiliate WKRN said her mother, a grandmother and active church member with no criminal record, was taken into custody.
“It’s not fair because they are only arresting them and getting them because of their color and because they are Hispanics,” Ingrid Martinez said. “My mom isn’t a criminal. My mom, she serves at church, she takes care of her grandkids, so I don’t know how she can be seen as a criminal.”
Police want charges for Massachusetts city councilor
Similar tensions escalated Thursday during an immigration arrest in Worcester, Massachusetts, where a police union is calling for criminal charges against a city council member.
The incident turned chaotic as a crowd of about two dozen, including a protester with a baby, surrounded an unmarked ICE vehicle as officers attempted to detain a woman accused of violent crimes.
Police officers said they were assaulted during the incident and that the council member helped incite the confrontation.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested
In Newark on Friday, Baraka’s arrest followed a confrontation involving members of Congress and federal agents.
Baraka, accompanied by three Democratic members of Congress, said he was conducting an oversight visit and had been invited onto the property. Federal officials said he ignored warnings to leave.
Federal officials said they are now investigating whether any lawmakers interfered with ICE operations, with more charges potentially on the table.