Rep. McIver Charged After ICE Protest in Newark

Federal authorities have charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) with assaulting, impeding, and interfering with federal law enforcement officers during a protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark on May 9. The incident occurred during a congressional oversight visit attended by Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, and escalated when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing as he attempted to join the group; charges against Baraka have since been dismissed. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that attempts to resolve the matter with McIver without charges were unsuccessful, emphasizing the importance of protecting federal officers. Video footage reportedly shows McIver physically engaging with officers during the confrontation. McIver and her legal team claim the charges are politically motivated and intended to suppress legislative oversight, insisting her actions have been misrepresented. The case has ignited debate in New Jersey over congressional oversight versus law enforcement authority.