NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges stemming from a May 9 incident at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark.
McIver faces three counts of assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers during a congressional oversight visit.
Two of the counts carry potential sentences of up to eight years in prison.
The charges, brought by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba — a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump — allege that McIver used her forearms to strike officers and attempted to interfere with the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was present during the visit.
Baraka’s trespassing charge was subsequently dropped.
He has filed a lawsuit against Habba for malicious prosecution.
McIver, who was elected to Congress in 2024, contends that the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate lawmakers conducting lawful oversight.
“The facts of this case will prove I was simply doing my job and will expose these proceedings for what they are: a brazen attempt at political intimidation,” she stated.
Video footage of the incident shows a chaotic scene, with McIver making physical contact with law enforcement officers.
From the beginning, Democratic leaders have denounced the charges as an abuse of power and a threat to congressional oversight.
Conversely, many Republicans argue that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law.
McIver’s arraignment marks a rare instance of a sitting member of Congress facing federal charges unrelated to corruption or fraud.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Pretty good video of the whole thing. Pretty hard to say that, isn’t it?
It’s all on video.
Let’s see: “I’m not guilty of the assault I committed.” Does that about cover it?
Its gong to be very hard to argue with all the video evidence.
It is way past time for Democrat politicians to be held to account for their actions. They have been beyond the law for far too long and have become emboldened, knowing they will not be held accountable. I hope Democrats are paying attention.