Clashes at Delaney Hall: U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver Charged with Assaulting ICE Agents as Mayor Walks Free
In a stunning legal twist, Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba has formally charged Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting and impeding federal law enforcement officers during a chaotic standoff outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark earlier this month. The felony charges stem from body camera footage and eyewitness reports that suggest McIver physically interfered with ICE agents as they attempted to manage a protest-turned-confrontation involving several Democratic lawmakers. “That conduct cannot be overlooked,” Habba said, citing a clear breach of Title 18, Section 111 of the U.S. Code. Notably, Habba announced the dismissal of all charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was initially cited for trespassing during the same incident.
Rep. McIver fired back swiftly, accusing federal prosecutors of politicizing routine congressional oversight. In a fiery social media statement, she described the encounter as a lawful inspection gone awry: “We were fulfilling our lawful oversight responsibilities… but ICE agents created an unnecessary and unsafe confrontation when they chose to arrest Mayor Baraka.” McIver vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting her actions were mischaracterized and motivated by a desire to protect detainees’ rights. “This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district,” she added, declaring her intent to fight the charges in court.
Members of Congress bust into ICE detention facility in New Jersey (X / @RepBonnie)
The fallout has sent shockwaves through New Jersey’s political landscape. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stressed that “no one is above the law,” affirming the government’s support for the ICE officers involved. Meanwhile, Mayor Baraka, now free of legal encumbrance, expressed solidarity with McIver, calling her a “dear friend” and “daughter of Newark.” As protests outside Delaney Hall intensify and security measures tighten, the incident has reignited debates over congressional oversight, immigration enforcement, and the blurred lines between political activism and federal law. All eyes now turn to the courtroom, where a legal and moral showdown is set to unfold.
