Democrat Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey has been federally indicted on three criminal charges stemming from a confrontation with federal agents outside an ICE detention center in Newark. The charges include two felonies and one misdemeanor, with a maximum combined sentence of up to 17 years behind bars.
According to the indictment, McIver used physical force to obstruct ICE officers attempting to carry out lawful arrests during a May 9 incident at Delaney Hall. The congresswoman is accused of shoving a federal officer with her forearm and encouraging surrounding protesters to block agents from doing their jobs.
McIver was at the scene with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka as part of what was billed as a congressional “oversight visit.” But things quickly spiraled when federal agents attempted to take Baraka into custody on unrelated grounds. Prosecutors say McIver escalated the situation by physically interfering with officers and inciting the crowd to resist.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who was appointed under the Trump administration, emphasized that the indictment sends a clear message: “No one is above the law—not even a member of Congress. We will not tolerate physical interference with federal agents.”
McIver’s legal team blasted the charges as politically motivated, calling the indictment “a coordinated attempt to silence dissent.” Her attorneys say she will plead not guilty and fight the case in court.
The charges mark a rare instance of a sitting member of Congress being indicted for physically obstructing law enforcement rather than financial misconduct or corruption. McIver remains free pending arraignment but faces serious legal jeopardy.
Federal officials say this case is part of a broader crackdown on those who obstruct immigration enforcement, signaling that status or political affiliation won’t protect anyone from prosecution.