Topline
The Justice Department on Monday charged Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., with assaulting federal agents during a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in New Jersey earlier this month, a move the Congresswoman denounced as “purely political.”
Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., speaks to the press after Newark mayor Ras Baraka was … More
Key Facts
The charges were announced on X by Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, who alleged McIver “assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement” at the New Jersey detention facility, known as Delaney Hall.
Habba claimed she made efforts to address the issue “without bringing criminal charges” and gave the Congresswoman “every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined.”
McIver responded to the charges she and her colleagues were at Delaney Hall to “inspect the treatment of ICE detainees” and were fulfilling their “lawful oversight responsibilities, as members of Congress have done many times before.”
Her statement alleged ICE agents at the location “created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation” when they arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also visiting the site with McIver.
In a separate statement, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the decision to charge McIver was made after a “thorough review of the video footage of Delaney Hall and a full investigation.”
What Else Did Mciver Say About The Charges Against Her?
“The charges against me are purely political they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight. This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” McIver’s statement added.
What Happened To The Case Against Baraka?
Habba’s statement noted that “after extensive consideration,” her office agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Baraka stemming from the incident “for the sake of moving forward.” She said the Newark Mayor has been invited to tour Delaney Hall “in the spirit of public interest.” Habba added: “The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.”
What Did Baraka Say About The Dropped Charges Against Him?
The Newark mayor issued a statement saying he was “glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed.” Baraka said he will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees at Delaney Hall and “continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations.” He also commented on the charges against McIver, saying: “Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark, past Newark Council President, a former student of mine, and a dear friend. I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated.”
Key Background
Earlier this month, McIver and Baraka visited the Delaney Hall facility with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., and Rob Menendez, D-N.J., to conduct what they said was an oversight visit. The three Congressional lawmakers were allowed to enter the facility, however, Baraka was only allowed past the front gate but barred from going inside. According to the New York Times, witness videos showed a Homeland Security Investigations agent warning the mayor to leave the facility, saying: “That is the last warning. You will be placed under arrest.” Baraka was eventually arrested and detained for several hours. Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin later appeared on CNN and said more arrests were coming in the case. She claimed the agency has body camera footage showing “members of Congress assaulting our ICE enforcement officers, including body-slamming a female ICE officer.”
Chief Critics
In a statement on social media, Menendez wrote: “Every American should see this for what it is: the weaponization of the justice system in a shameful attempt to bully and intimidate those of us who stand in the way of the President’s agenda…And this is our response to the Administration: we will not back down, and we will not be intimidated.” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., also criticized the charges, saying they were “clearly unfounded.” He added: “Representative McIver was exercising her legally protected authority as a member of Congress to conduct oversight of a detention center that receives millions of taxpayer dollars. Federal officials unnecessarily escalated what should have been a run-of-the-mill inspection of the facility…Pursuing this case against Representative McIver will divert considerable resources away from serious matters of public safety. The Department of Justice should drop these charges immediately.”
Further Reading
Homeland Security Dept. accuses lawmakers of ‘storming’ an ICE facility despite oversight laws saying they could be there (CNN)
3 Lawmakers Involved in Newark Protest Could Be Arrested, D.H.S. Says (New York Times)
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