Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has been charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with assaulting federal agents during a heated demonstration outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, was also arrested in connection with the May 9 event, but the accusations against him have since been withdrawn.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the statement Monday, saying McIver is charged with assaulting, impeding, and interfering with federal law enforcement officers during the demonstration. The accusations have exacerbated already existing tensions between Democratic senators who oppose the current administration’s policies and federal immigration policy enforcement.
Allegations of Political Motivation
In a formal statement released shortly after the charges were announced, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver described the accusations as politically driven.
“These charges mischaracterize and distort my actions,” said McIver. “This is nothing more than an attempt to criminalize congressional oversight and silence those who dare to question the status quo.”
According to DOJ insiders, efforts were made to reach a plea agreement that could have avoided formal prosecution. However, McIver reportedly declined the proposed deal, prompting federal prosecutors to proceed with the assault charge.
The Protest and Arrest
The chaotic confrontation took place during a site visit to the Newark ICE facility by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, along with fellow Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robert Menendez Jr. The lawmakers had raised concerns about the facility’s compliance with regulatory standards.
During the visit, Mayor Ras Baraka attempted to join the delegation inside the facility’s perimeter but was ordered by federal agents to vacate the premises. Despite complying with their request, Baraka was arrested shortly after stepping outside the gate, prompting an emotional response from the gathered crowd, including Congresswoman LaMonica McIver.
As agents moved to detain Baraka, they encountered resistance from protesters and lawmakers. Prosecutors allege that McIver physically interfered with officers during the incident.
DOJ’s Position and Response from Baraka
Acting U.S. Attorney Habba emphasized the principle of legal accountability in her statement.
“No individual is above the law — not even elected officials,” she said. “Our responsibility is to uphold the law impartially.”
However, in a move aimed at “moving forward,” Habba confirmed the decision to dismiss the trespassing charge against Mayor Baraka. The mayor expressed appreciation for the DOJ’s decision and emphasized his commitment to maintaining dialogue with federal authorities.
“I welcome the decision to dismiss this case,” said Baraka. “While I remain concerned about the conditions at the ICE facility, I also look forward to identifying areas for cooperation.”
Later that evening on CNN, Baraka stated he witnessed no wrongdoing by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, adding, “I expect she will be fully vindicated in a court of law.”
Legal Uncertainty for Other Lawmakers
It remains unclear whether the DOJ intends to pursue charges against Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Robert Menendez Jr., who were also present during the incident. Officials have declined to comment on any ongoing investigations related to their involvement.
The federal government’s decision to press charges against a sitting member of Congress, especially under such politically sensitive circumstances, is rare and could set a significant legal and political precedent.
Who Is Congresswoman LaMonica McIver?
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver represents New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District and has built her political career on championing civil rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant advocacy. Her outspoken opposition to the current administration’s immigration policies has earned her both praise from progressives and scrutiny from political opponents.
She previously served on Newark’s City Council and has been a rising figure in state and national Democratic politics. Her presence at the ICE facility on May 9 was, according to her office, part of her oversight responsibilities as a federal lawmaker.
This marks the first time Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has faced criminal charges in her public service career.
Political Implications and Public Reaction
The criminal complaint has sparked outrage among her supporters and fellow Democrats, many of whom view the case as a politically motivated attempt to intimidate lawmakers critical of the administration’s immigration enforcement strategies.
Human rights organizations and immigration advocacy groups have rallied behind Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, with several planned demonstrations and legal support campaigns in the days ahead.
“This prosecution sends a chilling message,” said one spokesperson for a civil liberties group. “If lawmakers can be arrested for doing their jobs, what does that mean for democracy?”
What’s Next?
Legal analysts predict that the case against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver could lead to a drawn-out court battle. If convicted, she could face significant penalties, including potential removal from Congress, though such outcomes are rare.
In the meantime, her legal team is preparing a strong defense. “We will not be intimidated,” said a spokesperson from her office. “The congresswoman will vigorously fight these baseless allegations.”
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the case has the potential to reshape political narratives both in New Jersey and across the country, especially if Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is perceived as a political martyr by her base.