U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of obstructing federal officers during a confrontation at a Newark immigration detention facility, an incident her legal team is calling political retaliation.
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U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the three-count indictment on Monday, accusing McIver of forcibly impeding Department of Homeland Security agents during the attempted arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on May 9 at the Delaney Hall immigration center.
Today a federal grand jury seated in Newark, New Jersey returned a three-count indictment charging U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver with forcibly impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement officers. This indictment has a maximum penalty of 8 years for Count One, an…
— US Attorney Habba (@USAttyHabba) June 10, 2025
According to the Department of Justice, McIver and two other congressional members were on a scheduled oversight visit that coincided with an immigration protest outside the facility. The DOJ alleges that after Mayor Baraka entered a secured area and refused to leave when asked by federal officers, an arrest was attempted.
At that point, McIver allegedly intervened, wrapping her arms around Baraka and physically confronting officers — including slamming her forearm into one and grabbing another.
Two of the charges carry a maximum sentence of eight years each, while the third count could result in up to one year in prison.
“While people are free to express their views, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement,” Habba said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).
McIver’s legal counsel, Paul Fishman, rejected the charges outright, telling *Fox News* that the indictment is “political retaliation against a dedicated public servant.” He expressed confidence in her eventual acquittal.
The preliminary hearing originally scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled. McIver’s arraignment is expected to take place within the next two weeks.
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