LaMonica McIver faces charges after Newark detention facility clash
Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) was recently indicted on federal charges for allegedly obstructing Homeland Security agents during an incident outside a Newark immigration detention facility. The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, includes three counts, accusing McIver of forcibly impeding federal officers during the attempted arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the Delaney Hall immigration facility.
According to a Department of Justice press release, McIver and two other members of Congress were conducting a congressional oversight visit that coincided with an immigration protest. When Mayor Baraka entered the facility’s secured area, federal agents warned him to leave. It is alleged that McIver intervened by blocking the officers, putting her arms around the mayor, and physically confronting the law enforcement officials.
The indictment includes two counts, each carrying a maximum eight-year prison sentence, and a third count that carries up to one year. McIver’s attorneys have labeled the charges as political payback and are confident in her exoneration. Paul Fishman, McIver’s attorney, stated that “This prosecution is political retaliation against a dedicated public servant… We fully expect the Congresswoman’s exoneration.”
In response to the incident, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the importance of respecting law enforcement while expressing dissent, stating that “people are free to express their views… they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement.”
The preliminary hearing for McIver, scheduled for Tuesday, was canceled, and an arraignment is expected to take place within two weeks. This development comes amidst a legal battle between Mayor Ras Baraka and the interim U.S. Attorney over false arrest and malicious prosecution claims.
The case has garnered significant attention, with implications for both McIver’s political career and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement. The unfolding legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the incident and the motivations behind the alleged obstruction of federal officers.
This article was written by Jasmine, a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. For story submissions, please contact jasmine.baehr@fox.com.
