Newark Daily Local Headlines: ICE limits, murder conviction, car-theft warning, and a West Side High boost

Top headline: Newark tightens rules around ICE activity on city property

Mayor Ras J. Baraka has moved to limit how federal immigration enforcement operates inside Newark, with a focus on city-owned buildings and resources. The policy, as described by city and local reporting, bars ICE from using municipal property to stage certain civil immigration actions and sets a higher threshold for entering city facilities, including requiring a warrant or judicial order.

The order also directs city employees to report suspected unconstitutional conduct, aiming to create a consistent paper trail when residents raise concerns about enforcement activity in Newark.

Courts: Newark man convicted in 2023 robbery-homicide case

In a separate development, an Essex County jury convicted Newark resident Jarell Riles, 35, on first-degree murder and other charges tied to two robberies on Dec. 31, 2023. Prosecutors said one victim was pistol-whipped during the first robbery, and 67-year-old Jose Gaona was fatally shot during a second encounter shortly after.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 27, according to reporting based on the prosecutor’s office account.

Public safety: Police issue fresh warning about targeted Honda thefts

Newark police are also urging drivers of late-model Honda Accords, Civics, and CR-Vs to take extra precautions after a rise in thefts involving electronic tactics. Authorities said thieves can use devices that copy key fob codes, allowing quick entry and push-button starts without the owner’s key.

Police recommendations include adding visible deterrents like steering wheel or pedal locks and choosing well-lit, secure parking whenever possible.

Schools: West Side High gets a music-technology boost from a famous alum

On the community side, Grammy-winning producer and West Side High School alumnus Jerry ‘Wonda’ Duplessis returned to Newark to donate music-technology equipment and instruments for students in the school’s digital music program. The visit included hands-on time with students, and a group later toured a New York City recording studio for a behind-the-scenes look at professional production work.

Sources

• https://www.wbgo.org/news/2026-02-28/baraka-curbs-ice-activity-in-newark
• https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/nj-man-fatally-shot-pistol-whipped-robbery-victims-jury-finds-him-guilty
• https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/car-thieves-are-targeting-these-3-models-newark-police-say
• https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/famous-producer-donates-music-gear-his-old-school-newark