June 11, 2025 Story by: Editor
A federal grand jury in New Jersey indicted Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver (D‑NJ) on June 10, on three counts related to an incident outside a federal immigration detention center in Newark. The charges include assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers—two felonies carrying up to eight years in prison each, and one misdemeanor with a potential one-year sentence.
The charges stem from a May 9 congressional oversight visit to Delaney Hall, a privately operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. McIver joined two fellow congressmembers—Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez—and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on site.
“The facts of this case will prove I was simply doing my job and will expose these proceedings for what they are: a brazen attempt at political intimidation,” LaMonica McIver said in a statement on the indictment. “This indictment is no more justified than the original charges and is an effort by Trump’s administration to dodge accountability for the chaos ICE caused and scare me out of doing the work I was elected to do. But it won’t work I will not be intimidated. The facts are on our side, I will be entering a plea of not guilty, and I’m grateful for the support of my community, and I look forward to my day in court.”
Tensions escalated when Baraka attempted entry but was denied access and later arrested for trespassing (a charge that was later dropped). Prosecutors allege McIver used her forearms to shove Homeland Security Investigations officers and physically intervened, even grabbing at them to shield the mayor from arrest.
A two-minute body-cam video released by DHS shows McIver within a tight crowd near a chain-link fence, and moments where both elbows make contact with masked federal officers. Though the intent and force of contact remain disputed, the government alleges it was deliberate.
Legal and Political Stakes
- Rare Indictment of a Sitting Member of Congress
Federal charges against sitting members, especially outside fraud or corruption contexts, are extremely uncommon. - McIver’s Defense
She vehemently denies wrongdoing, framing the charges as “brazen political intimidation” aimed at discouraging congressional oversight of immigration policy. - Prosecutorial Tone
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, appointed under the Trump administration and former Trump defense attorney, emphasized the legal obligation to prosecute interference with law enforcement—regardless of one’s position. - Broader Federal Enforcement Crackdown
This case follows a similar federal prosecution of Oakland union leader David Huerta for obstructing federal immigration enforcement—underscoring what may be a pattern of aggressive federal action.
Political and Public Response
- Support from Democrats
Haus McIver has received backing from Democratic colleagues. Sen. Chris Murphy described the indictment as “political arrest,” and Reps. Maxwell Frost, Pramila Jayapal, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced support. Mayor Baraka, now suing the AUSA over his own wrongful arrest, was also present during the incident. - Republican and Trump-Era Commentary
Former President Trump labeled McIver “out of control,” calling the incident emblematic of the “end of woke”—prompting White House press statements reaffirming that no one is above the law. - Claims of Racial Motivation
Democratic strategist James Carville has speculated that McIver’s race may have influenced the federal decision to prosecute, though no concrete evidence has been offered.
Next Up in the Legal Process
- Plea and Trial Schedule
McIver pled not guilty and will now prepare for arraignment and trial, contesting the case through her legal team led by former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman. - Congressional and Judicial Oversight
Given the rarity of prosecuting a sitting representative, both Congress and federal courts may scrutinize the DOJ’s motives and case construction closely. - Public and Political Repercussions
This high-profile indictment may reinforce existing divisions in the ongoing debate over federal immigration enforcement and legislative oversight authority.
Why It Matters
This confrontation lies at the heart of intense battles over immigration policy, executive authority, and congressional oversight. The McIver indictment serves as a flashpoint, exposing deeper rifts over whether politics—especially race and power—are influencing the enforcement of federal law against elected leaders. As the case progresses, it will test legal precedents, institutional boundaries, and public trust in a politically fraught moment.
Source: AP News / Reuters / Washington Post
