Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat representing Newark, is rallying supporters and raising campaign funds in the wake of federal charges alleging she assaulted and interfered with federal agents during a recent visit to a privately run Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in her district.
In a campaign message obtained by Fox News Digital, McIver framed the charges as politically motivated. “As you know, Trump is using his Department of Justice to target political opponents,” the message stated. “Less than two weeks ago, I was doing my job and conducting oversight at an ICE facility in my city. Now, the Trump administration has filed charges against me. This is a first—and it’s a flashing red light for our democracy.”
The fundraising appeal continues with a call to action: “I’m sounding the alarm and asking you to donate now so we can fight these charges and keep speaking truth to power.”
McIver faces charges stemming from a confrontation that occurred earlier this month at Delaney Hall, a privately operated ICE detention facility in Newark. Charging documents allege that McIver physically confronted two federal agents—one from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and another from ICE—during an attempt to arrest Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also present during the incident.
According to prosecutors, McIver struck an HSI agent with her forearm and tried to physically restrain him. When agents moved to detain Mayor Baraka, the congresswoman allegedly created a “human shield” to block officers from applying handcuffs. Prosecutors say she pushed and struck an ICE officer with her forearms during the standoff.
The confrontation reportedly escalated after Mayor Baraka refused multiple orders to leave the premises. As an HSI agent informed him he was under arrest, McIver was heard shouting, “Hell no! Hell no! Hell no!” She and other lawmakers then surrounded the mayor in an attempt to prevent his arrest, according to federal authorities.
McIver has denied any wrongdoing and issued a public statement following the announcement of the charges.
“I’m thankful for the outpouring of support I’ve received, and the truth will be laid out clearly in court,” McIver said. “Earlier this month, I joined colleagues to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees in my district. We were exercising lawful oversight duties, as members of Congress have done many times before. Our visit should have been peaceful and brief. Instead, ICE agents escalated the situation by choosing to arrest Mayor Baraka.”
She described the charges as a deliberate effort to “criminalize and deter legislative oversight,” arguing that her actions were misrepresented for political purposes.
Mayor Baraka, who had a federal trespassing charge against him dropped by acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, publicly expressed solidarity with McIver, saying he supports her in the legal battle ahead.
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Habba said, “Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of federal law. That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey. It is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal agents are protected as they carry out their duties.”
Rep. McIver serves a deeply Democratic district that encompasses Newark. Her campaign and congressional office have not yet issued formal responses to inquiries about the charges or the fundraising communications.
