Representative LaMonica McIver refuses allegations of assault, claimed during a trip to an immigration center.
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver from New Jersey stood before a judge on Wednesday, pleading not guilty to charges of assaulting and interfering with immigration officers during a congressional oversight visit at a private detention center, Delaney Hall.
"They won't silence me. I won't back down from doing my job," McIver, a Democratic Congresswoman, boldly declared outside the Newark courthouse post-hearing.
Charges against McIver were brought forth by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a Trump appointee, following the May 9 visit to the ICE-operated Delaney Hall. The 1,000-bed facility, owned privately, has been used as a detention center by ICE.
This month, McIver was indicted on three counts, each alleging assault, resistance, impediment, and interference with federal officials. Two of the counts have a potential maximum sentence of eight years, whereas the third carries a year-long penalty, a misdemeanor.
At the Wednesday hearing, McIver asserted her innocence before U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper, setting a trial date for November 10.
Outside the courthouse, McIver issued a warning to those who dare to challenge the Trump administration, hinting that they might find themselves in a similar situation. Her lawyer, former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Paul Fishman, underscored McIver's plea of not guilty, stating that the situation at Delaney Hall was hazardously precarious, largely due to federal agents' actions.
Remarkably, the incident also implicated Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested on a trivial trespassing charge that was ultimately dropped. Baraka later filed a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney Habba, accusing her of a malicious prosecution.
Baraka alleged the Trump administration utilizes law enforcement as an extension of their ideology, targeting opponents of the administration.
This case is the latest in a political drama unfolding in New Jersey's largest city, as the Trump administration takes Democratic officials to court, embroiled in an ongoing immigration crackdown and Democratic efforts to respond. The prosecution, an unprecedented federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress, alleges activities other than fraud or corruption.
A mobile video clip released by the Department of Homeland Security depicted McIver within a chaotic scene at the facility, sandwiched between a crowd of people and officers. Altercations between McIver and immigration officers remain unclear from police bodycam footage, with potential contact being interpreted as accidental, intentional, or a result of the chaotic environment.
The complaint alleges McIver forcefully struck an agent and attempted to physically restrain them. The indictment also mentions McIver using her arms to encircle the mayor to halt his arrest, while emphasizing her alleged forceful collisions with and holds on officers.
Criticism and disputes regarding the charges have been expressed by fellow Democrats, including New Jersey Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Bob Menendez, who were also present during McIver's visit to the detention center.
Members of Congress have the authority to enter federal immigration facilities as part of their oversight powers, without prior notice. This privilege was cemented through a 2019 appropriations bill.
McIver, 39, was appointed to Congress in September following the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who left a vacancy in the 10th District. McIver secured a full term in the subsequent elections. She is a native of Newark and held the position of Newark City Council president from 2022 to 2024 before working in Newark's public schools.
In the political realm, this case involving LaMonica McIver, a Democratic Congresswoman from New Jersey, has sparked discussions, as it pertains to general-news topics and crime-and-justice issues. McIver is currently embroiled in a federal criminal case, with charges of assault and interfering with immigration officers following a visit to a private detention center, Delaney Hall. This case, an unprecedented prosecution against a sitting member of Congress, alleges activities other than fraud or corruption.
