U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver was charged on Monday for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers outside an ICE detention facility earlier this month. Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges, which include assaulting and impeding a law enforcement officer. The incident occurred on May 9 during a protest outside Delaney Hall, a facility operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark, New Jersey.
During the protest, which was attended by several other members of Congress and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, tensions reportedly escalated, leading to physical confrontations between the protesters and law enforcement. According to U.S. Attorney Habba, Representative McIver was involved in actions that resulted in the assault and interference with law enforcement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1). Habba emphasized the importance of protecting federal law enforcement officials while they execute their duties, stating that “no one is above the law—politicians or otherwise.”
In a statement, Habba noted that her office had made persistent efforts to address these incidents without resorting to criminal charges, allowing Representative McIver ample opportunity to resolve the matter. However, she ultimately declined to cooperate, necessitating the charges. “It is my constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected,” Habba added, reinforcing her commitment to uphold justice.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem supported Habba’s decision, asserting on social media that anyone, regardless of their political affiliation or status, who assaults a law enforcement officer will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. “We thank our brave ICE law enforcement officers for their service to this great nation,” Noem wrote on X.
Following the announcement of the charges, Representative McIver released a statement claiming that the charges were politically motivated. She argued that the allegations mischaracterize her actions and are intended to criminalize legislative oversight. “This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” McIver stated. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and looked forward to the truth being revealed in court.
In the wake of the charges, top House Democrats issued a joint statement defending Representative McIver, describing the situation as an illegitimate abuse of power. “An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people,” the leaders proclaimed. They vowed to respond vigorously to the charges, asserting that the timing and manner of their response would be determined later. They also highlighted that McIver toured the facility after the alleged altercation, asserting that no credible evidence exists to support claims of any criminal activity on her part.
In a notable turn, the U.S. Attorney's office dropped the charges against Newark Mayor Baraka, further complicating the narrative surrounding the protest and the actions of those involved.
