DOJ Charges Rep. LaMonica McIver With Assault After ICE Facility Protest

The Department of Justice has charged New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver (D) with assaulting law enforcement following a protest outside of an ICE detention facility earlier this month, per ABC News.

On May 9, McIver was protesting outside of Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, alongside other members of Congress and Newark mayor Ras Baraka.

Tensions at the protest allegedly escalated into pushing and shoving, acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Monday (May 19) as she announced the charges against McIver.

"Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1)," Habba said in a statement. "That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected."

"No one is above the law -- politicians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold Justice, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work," she added.

The protest unfolded after McIver and other members of Congress, who claim Delaney Hall isn't up to date on necessary permits, concluded their scheduled visit at the facility. Following the tour, Baraka attempted to join the lawmakers and entered the gate to the facility. After federal agents ordered the mayor to leave, Baraka complied but was arrested for alleged trespassing.

Protestors, including McIver, surrounded Baraka as federal agents forced their way through the group to make the arrest.

On Monday, Habba said she was pursuing charges against McIver but dropping the ones against Baraka "for the sake of moving forward." She also invited the mayor to tour the facility with her.

Baraka said in a statement that he was glad his trespassing charge was dismissed, and he believes McIver will be "vindicated."

"I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated," the mayor wrote.

In a statement, McIver alleged that the charges against her were politically motivated.

"The charges against me are purely political-they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight," McIver said. "This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right. I am thankful for the outpouring of support I have received, and I look forward to the truth being laid out clearly in court."

House Democrats also released a statement in defense of McIver, saying that they will "vigorously" respond to the DOJ's alleged abuse of power.

"An attack on one of us is an attack on the American people. House Democrats will respond vigorously in the days to come at a time, place, and manner of our choosing," they said.

The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.