New Avengers (2004) #22

As the Superhuman Registration Act approaches activation, tensions rise among the New Avengers. Iron Man visits Luke Cage in an attempt to persuade him to register voluntarily, arguing that cooperation with the government is the safest path for his family. Cage refuses, unwilling to surrender his autonomy or place himself under government control.

Recognizing the danger the Act poses to unregistered heroes, Jessica Jones decides to leave the country with their newborn daughter, seeking refuge in Canada until the situation stabilizes. Luke remains behind in their Harlem apartment, determined to stand his ground.

At the stroke of midnight, when the Registration Act officially becomes law, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents surround Cage’s building and order him to comply. Cage refuses and is immediately targeted for arrest. The agents storm the neighborhood, but Cage fights back, supported by Harlem residents who rally to protect him from what they see as an unjust assault on their community.

The situation escalates until Captain America and his underground anti‑registration team intervene, helping Cage repel the S.H.I.E.L.D. forces. With no way to remain safely in his home and now officially a fugitive, Cage joins Captain America’s resistance movement, marking his definitive break from the pro‑registration faction and solidifying his role in the coming conflict.