Rep. LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty to charges in conflict outside ICE facility

June 25, 2025

New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assaulting and impeding federal officers following a confrontation at a Newark ICE detention facility in May. The freshman Democrat could face up to 17 years in prison if convicted, although she maintains she was simply performing her congressional duties when the incident occurred.

Who is affected

Rep. LaMonica McIver, who faces federal charges
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested but had charges dismissed
Reps. Rob Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman, who visited the facility but weren't charged
Immigration detainees at the ICE facility in Newark
Members of Congress conducting oversight of detention facilities
Federal officers involved in the altercation

What action is being taken

McIver is pleading not guilty to federal charges stemming from the May incident
The Department of Homeland Security has updated their policies to require 72 hours advance notice for facility visits
Baraka has filed a lawsuit against interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba
Campaign for Accountability has filed a complaint with the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics against Habba
House Judiciary Committee Democrats have formally requested more information about the arrest
Supporters are organizing demonstrations outside the courthouse

Why it matters

This case represents an escalation in tensions between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement. It raises questions about congressional oversight authority, as federal law allows members of Congress to visit immigrant detention sites unannounced, but DHS recently changed their notification requirements. The incident also highlights political divisions, with some seeing the charges against McIver as legitimate enforcement while others view them as political intimidation meant to deter oversight of immigration facilities.

What's next

A trial for McIver is expected in November.

Read full article from source: The 19th