Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly obstructing Homeland Security agents during a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in Newark last month. The incident, which took place during a congressional oversight visit, has sparked controversy and accusations of political retaliation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced a three-count indictment Tuesday, charging McIver with forcibly impeding federal officers during the attempted arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
According to the Department of Justice, McIver was part of a delegation of lawmakers visiting the facility on May 9, coinciding with a protest over immigration enforcement. During the visit, Mayor Baraka entered a restricted area despite warnings from federal agents. When officers attempted to detain him, McIver allegedly intervened, wrapping her arms around the mayor and physically obstructing agents, including allegedly striking one officer with her forearm and grabbing another.
“While people are free to express their views, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).
The first two counts in the indictment each carry a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. The third charge carries a potential sentence of up to one year.
McIver’s attorney, Paul Fishman, called the indictment “political retaliation,” arguing that the charges are a targeted response to the congresswoman’s advocacy and oversight role.
“This prosecution is political retaliation against a dedicated public servant who was doing her job,” Fishman said in a statement to Fox News. “We fully expect the Congresswoman’s exoneration.”
Mayor Baraka, who was arrested during the incident, has since filed a lawsuit against the federal government, accusing authorities of false arrest and malicious prosecution. He addressed supporters at a rally in Newark on May 13, defending his actions and criticizing the federal response.
A preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday was canceled. McIver’s arraignment is expected to take place within two weeks.
With input from Fox News.
