LaMonica McIver: Not Guilty Plea – ICE Facility Visit Charges
- LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., entered a not guilty plea Wednesday to federal charges stemming from a May 9 visit to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
- McIver faces three counts, including assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers.
- Attorney Alina Habba, a Republican appointed by former President Donald Trump.
Breaking news: Congresswoman LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty to federal charges related to an ICE facility visit. McIver faces accusations of assaulting and obstructing federal officers, with the trial set for November 10. Democrats are scrutinizing the charges, alleging political motivations.The heart of the matter hinges on her role and whether her actions constitute assault or obstruction, specifically during an incident involving Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. The indictment, handed down by a Republican-appointed U.S. Attorney, fuels thes political undercurrents. The case also brings into question the role of political motivations, federal prosecutions, and congressional oversight. For in-depth coverage of this developing story and other crucial updates, turn to News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for the congresswoman.
Rep. LaMonica McIver Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges
Updated June 26, 2025
Newark, N.J. – U.S. rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., entered a not guilty plea Wednesday to federal charges stemming from a May 9 visit to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The charges allege she assaulted and obstructed federal officers at Delaney Hall in Newark.
McIver faces three counts, including assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers. Two of the charges carry a maximum sentence of eight years in prison,while the third,a misdemeanor,carries a one-year maximum penalty,according to the associated Press.
The indictment was handed down by interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a Republican appointed by former President Donald Trump. This has led to accusations from Democrats that the Trump administration is politicizing federal prosecutions, particularly concerning McIver’s oversight role.
The incident occurred when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, invited by McIver and fellow Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, was asked to leave the ICE facility. Prosecutors allege mciver interfered, striking officers as she attempted to block Baraka’s removal. Video footage from the Department of Homeland Security shows McIver among those urging others to “circle the mayor” during the confrontation.
McIver maintains her innocence, stating last month that she rejected a plea deal as it required her “to admit to doing something that I did not do.”
“They will not intimidate me, they will not stop me from doing my job,” McIver told supporters outside the Newark courthouse. “I will continue to do what the people of the 10th Congressional District elected me to do.”
Hanna Rumsey, a spokesperson for McIver, said, “Rep. McIver has confidently entered her official plea: not guilty. She is crystal clear that she will not back down as leaders across this country are targeted for speaking up.” Rumsey added, “these charges have always been about politics and Rep. McIver will not be deterred from doing the work the people of New Jersey elected her to do. The Congresswoman will not fold.”
The trespassing charge against Mayor Baraka was previously dismissed, with a federal judge calling his arrest a “worrisome misstep” by Habba’s office. U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper has scheduled McIver’s trial for Nov. 10, according to the associated Press.
What’s next
The trial will determine McIver’s role in the incident and whether her actions constitute obstruction or assault. The case also raises questions about the role of political motivations in federal prosecutions and congressional oversight of immigration facilities.