In a significant development, Representative LaMonica McIver, a Democrat from New Jersey, has reportedly now been indicted by a federal grand jury for her actions during a confrontation outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark last month.
The indictment, announced by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, includes three counts of forcibly impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement officers.
McIver has publicly declared her intention to plead not guilty. In a statement, she asserted that the facts of the case would vindicate her actions, framing the indictment as a politically motivated effort to intimidate her.
“This indictment is not more justified than the original charges,” McIver said, emphasizing her commitment to her role as an elected official and her dedication to oversight of ICE activities. “I will not be intimidated,” she added.
The incident that led to the indictment occurred on May 9, when McIver, alongside other New Jersey Democrats, attempted to conduct oversight of the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility.
Tensions escalated when the group confronted Department of Homeland Security agents, as captured by ICE body-camera footage.
According to the indictment, McIver’s actions included physically obstructing officers who were attempting to arrest the mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, who had entered a secured area.
The Department of Justice’s release detailed that during the confrontation, McIver allegedly wrapped her arms around the mayor in an attempt to block law enforcement from executing the arrest.
Furthermore, she reportedly struck one officer with her forearm and attempted to restrain another by grabbing him forcefully. These actions have led to her facing a potential sentence of up to 17 years in prison if convicted.
In her defense, McIver characterized the indictment as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation, suggesting that the Trump administration is attempting to deflect responsibility for the actions of ICE.
“This is an effort to scare me out of doing the work I was elected to do,” she claimed.
U.S. Attorney Habba defended the indictment, stating, “While people are free to express their views for or against particular policies, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement and the communities those officers serve.”
She highlighted the grand jury’s decision as a crucial step in ensuring accountability for actions that compromise law enforcement operations.
As McIver prepares for her legal battle, the indictment underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly as lawmakers grapple with both public sentiment and the complexities of federal immigration policy.
The case is likely to attract significant attention as it unfolds, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about the role of ICE and the political dynamics within New Jersey and beyond.
[READ MORE: House GOP Chair to Retire]
