Newark, NJ – U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, a Democrat from New Jersey, has been indicted on federal charges following a contentious incident outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark. The arrest, which took place earlier this month, has sparked widespread debate, with McIver pleading not guilty to the allegations.
The charges stem from a May 9 confrontation at the Delaney Hall detention center, where McIver and other lawmakers were conducting an oversight visit. Authorities allege that McIver forcibly impeded federal officers attempting to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also present during the incident.
The indictment includes three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement officers, carrying a potential maximum sentence of 17 years in prison if convicted.McIver, who entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance on June 25, has called the charges politically motivated. She asserts that she was simply fulfilling her congressional duties and accuses the Trump administration of using the legal system to intimidate lawmakers.
“They will not stop me from doing my job,” McIver declared outside the Newark courthouse, surrounded by supporters including Mayor Baraka.
The incident unfolded during a chaotic scene involving protests and a congressional delegation.
Prosecutors claim McIver physically intervened, using her forearms to strike officers and attempting to shield Baraka from arrest. Video footage from the event has fueled conflicting narratives, with some suggesting the contact was incidental amid the crowd, while others support the government’s account.
Mayor Baraka, whose initial trespassing charge was dropped, has voiced strong support for McIver, calling her a dedicated public servant.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, who view it as an overreach by the Justice Department, and has intensified political tensions over immigration policy.
As the legal battle unfolds, McIver’s defense team, led by former U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, plans to challenge the charges, arguing that her actions were within her legislative oversight role.
The congresswoman remains determined to continue her work, vowing to fight the allegations in court.