By: Richard L. Smith
U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly obstructing law enforcement officers during an attempted arrest at a Newark immigration facility last month, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
The three-count indictment stems from an incident on May 9, 2025, outside the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, where McIver and two fellow members of Congress were conducting an official oversight visit.
Their inspection coincided with a protest rally focused on immigration issues.
According to the indictment, tensions escalated when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrived and was allowed into a secured area of the facility.
A federal officer informed the mayor he was not authorized to remain in the restricted zone and warned that failure to leave would result in arrest.
When officers attempted to detain the mayor, McIver and other congressional delegates intervened.
As officers moved in to arrest the mayor, McIver allegedly positioned herself between him and law enforcement, physically blocking the officers from placing him in handcuffs. After the mayor was escorted out of the secured area, a second arrest attempt was made.
At that point, a voice from the crowd reportedly shouted, “circle the mayor,” prompting McIver to embrace the mayor in an effort to prevent the arrest.
Prosecutors allege that during the confrontation, McIver struck one officer with her forearm and grabbed him in an attempt to restrain him. She is also accused of using both forearms to forcefully strike a second officer.
McIver now faces two counts of forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officers, each carrying a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. A third charge, also related to obstruction, carries a maximum penalty of one year.
As of now, McIver has not issued a public statement in response to the charges.
