Topline
The Justice Department on Monday charged Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., with assaulting federal agents during a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in New Jersey earlier this month, a move the Congresswoman denounced as “purely political.”
Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., speaks to the press after Newark mayor Ras Baraka was … More
Key Facts
The charges were announced on X by Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, who alleged that McIver “assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement” at the New Jersey detention facility, known as Delaney Hall.
Habba claimed she made efforts to address the issue “without bringing criminal charges” and gave the Congresswoman “every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined.”
McIver responded to the charges that she and her colleagues were at Delaney Hall to “inspect the treatment of ICE detainees” and were fulfilling their “lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before.”
Her statement alleged that ICE agents at the location “created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation” when they arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also visiting the site with McIver.
In a separate statement, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision to charge McIver was made after a “thorough review of the video footage of Delaney Hall and a full investigation.”
What Else Did Mciver Say About The Charges Against Her?
“The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” McIver’s statement added.
What Happened To The Case Against Baraka?
Habba’s statement noted that “after extensive consideration,” her office agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Baraka stemming from the incident “for the sake of moving forward.” She said the Newark Mayor has been invited to tour Delaney Hall “in the spirit of public interest.” Habba added: “The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.”
Crucial Quote
The Newark mayor issued a statement saying he was “glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed.” Baraka said he will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees at Delaney Hall and “continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations.” He also commented on the charges against McIver, saying: “Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated.”
