LaMonica McIver Faces Charges After Incident at ICE Center in Newark
U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was charged with federal offenses following an incident that took place during a visit to an immigration detention center in Newark.
What Happened During the Visit?
The charges come from an event on May 9, when Rep. McIver joined fellow lawmakers Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robert Menendez Jr. on a tour of the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also part of the group.
While inside the facility, a tense moment occurred when Mayor Baraka was reportedly detained by ICE officers. During this incident, a physical altercation allegedly broke out, and McIver is accused of making contact with one of the officers.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba later announced that McIver is being charged with assaulting, resisting, and obstructing federal law enforcement during their duties.
Strong Political Reactions Follow the Charges
The federal charges have caused a major stir in Washington. Democratic leaders say the case is politically motivated. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the charges are meant to “send a message” to those doing oversight of federal facilities.
The Congressional Black Caucus has publicly backed Rep. McIver, calling the charges "unjust" and warning that they could threaten the ability of Congress to hold federal agencies accountable.
McIver’s Defense: “I Was Doing My Job”
Congresswoman McIver has denied doing anything wrong. She says she was simply fulfilling her duty to monitor how government-run detention centers treat people.
Her legal team also warned that this case could harm the balance of power between Congress and federal agencies. They believe this could create fear among lawmakers trying to do their oversight work.
Who Is LaMonica McIver?
Rep. McIver became a member of Congress in September 2024, taking the seat left open after the death of Donald Payne Jr. She made history as the first Black woman to represent New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.
Before being elected to Congress, she served as President of the Newark Municipal Council and has been active in city politics since 2018. She’s known for advocating on behalf of community safety, housing, and government transparency.
What Happens Next?
McIver will now face legal proceedings. Her supporters in Congress have pledged to stand by her, while legal experts watch the case closely for its broader impact on congressional authority and civil rights.
