New Jersey Democrat LaMonica McIver Charged Over Immigration Arrest Interference During Congressional Oversight Visit
LaMonica McIver, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, was charged in May 2025 with interfering with an immigration arrest during a congressional oversight visit to Delaney Hall in Newark on May 9. The incident also involved Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested for trespassing but had charges dropped 10 days later.
McIver faces multiple counts, including assaulting, impeding, and interfering with an arrest, which could carry up to 17 years in prison. She was formally indicted by a grand jury in June 2025. At the time, Alina Habba was the acting US attorney but has since resigned. McIver, 39, who was elected in September 2024 following the death of Donald Payne Jr. and then won a full term two months later, has described the charges as political retribution orchestrated by former President Donald Trump to deter congressional oversight of the administration.
The case has unfolded amid ongoing disputes over Congress's oversight of ICE facilities. Video analysis indicated that McIver made contact with at least two agents during the visit, though the extent of force used remains unclear. McIver has spent approximately $1 million on legal representation, citing ethics rules that prevent her from accepting pro bono help, making fundraising necessary.
Some Republican lawmakers, led by Nancy Mace, have sought to expel McIver following the charges. A judge denied a motion to dismiss two counts against her, and a decision regarding the assault charge dismissal is pending. No trial date has been set yet.
This nine-month period has been marked by broader tensions, including claims of intimidation by the administration. Notably, one month after the oversight visit, four detainees escaped from Delaney Hall by kicking through an interior wall.
