In mid-May, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) faced charges from the DOJ regarding her alleged involvement in an incident at the ICE detention center in Newark. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that McIver was charged with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for obstructing law enforcement.
Footage seemed to depict McIver placing her hands on ICE officials during a chaotic situation on May 9th. This occurred when she, along with two other Democratic members of Congress from New Jersey and Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, attempted to enter the center, citing oversight purposes. Tensions escalated when Baraka tried to access a side entrance, leading to the altercation.
McIver responded to Habba’s announcement by criticizing the DOJ for what she viewed as politically motivated accusations. She claimed that the charges were intended to undermine legislative oversight. Despite her protests, McIver was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 10th.
