House Dem fundraises off federal assault charges after ICE facility confrontation
New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement at the gates of Delaney Hall, a privately-operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark. The congresswoman is now fundraising off her legal troubles, claiming that the charges are politically motivated by the Trump administration.
In a fundraising text obtained by Fox News Digital, McIver asserts that the charges against her are a direct result of her conducting oversight at the ICE facility. She accuses the Trump administration of using the Department of Justice to target political opponents and calls for donations to help fight the charges.
According to charging documents, McIver is accused of assaulting two federal agents at Delaney Hall. Prosecutors allege that she physically obstructed the agents from arresting Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also present at the facility. McIver is said to have created a “human shield” to prevent the agents from handcuffing the mayor, leading to a physical altercation.
Following the incident, Mayor Baraka was arrested on a trespassing charge that was later dropped by Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba. However, charges against McIver remain, with prosecutors citing violations of federal law related to impeding law enforcement.
In a statement, McIver defended her actions, claiming that she and her colleagues were simply fulfilling their lawful oversight responsibilities as members of Congress. She described the confrontation at Delaney Hall as unnecessary and unsafe, blaming ICE agents for escalating the situation.
McIver maintains that the charges against her are politically motivated and intended to deter legislative oversight. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received and vowed to fight the charges in court.
The congresswoman represents a heavily Democratic district that includes Newark, and her legal troubles have sparked controversy and debate within the political landscape. The case has highlighted tensions between federal law enforcement and elected officials, raising questions about the boundaries of oversight and accountability.
As the legal proceedings unfold, McIver’s fundraising efforts continue, with the congresswoman calling on supporters to donate to her defense fund. The outcome of the case remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding the incident at Delaney Hall underscores the challenges of balancing security and civil liberties in a polarized political climate.
