Representative LaMonica McIver is facing federal charges following a confrontation with law enforcement at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark. A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on Tuesday, June 10th, citing her alleged interference with federal officers during a May oversight visit.
The charges include two felony counts, each carrying a maximum sentence of eight years and one misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in prison. The incident unfolded during a protest where Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for entering a restricted area. McIver allegedly intervened, wrapping her arms around the mayor and physically confronting ICE officers in an attempt to block the arrest.
According to the Department of Justice, McIver’s actions included shouting “Hell no! Hell no!” and using force against multiple agents. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that while protest is a right, “must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement.”
McIver has denied the charges, calling them a politically motivated attack. “The facts of this case will prove I was simply doing my job,” she said in a public statement, adding that the charges represent “a brazen attempt at political intimidation.” Her legal team, led by Paul Fishman, echoed the claim, describing the indictment as retaliatory and unjust.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Wednesday but has since been postponed. No official date has been set for the arraignment, though it is expected within the next two weeks.
