New Jersey Rep. McIver pleads not guilty to charges of obstructing officers during Newark ICE protest, calls case political intimidation.

Congresswoman Faces Federal Charges After ICE Facility Protest

Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges stemming from an incident at the Delaney Hall immigration facility in Newark. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, centers on allegations that McIver obstructed Homeland Security agents during the attempted arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka amid a protest on May 9.

Standing outside the courthouse following her appearance, McIver addressed her supporters, reaffirming her intent to contest the charges. “I pleaded not guilty because I'm not guilty, we will fight this,” McIver declared before returning to Washington, D.C. She accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the federal government and the Department of Justice to intimidate political opponents. “Anybody who stands up to them, anyone who criticizes them, anyone who fights back against them finds themselves in these hairs that we are in today,” she said.

McIver’s trial is set to begin on November 1. The congresswoman’s supporters, including Mayor Baraka, rallied outside the court, decrying what they described as political intimidation and calling for all charges to be dropped. Some demonstrators held signs demanding protection for migrant rights and due process. Baraka, who was himself arrested during the incident but later saw the trespassing charge dismissed, asserted that McIver’s actions were justified and would be vindicated. “If you look at the video, she will be vindicated,” he stated.

Allegations and Legal Background

According to the Department of Justice, Baraka was allowed into the secured area of the facility during a congressional oversight visit, then refused requests by federal agents to leave. When officers attempted to arrest Baraka, McIver allegedly intervened, placing her arms around the mayor and forcibly resisting officers, including physically striking two agents. The indictment includes two counts that carry up to eight years in prison each, and a third count carrying a maximum sentence of one year.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, who previously represented President Donald Trump, asserted that McIver “assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement.” McIver, however, maintains her innocence, calling the charges a “brazen attempt at political intimidation” and stating, “I will not be intimidated. The facts are on our side.”

The incident occurred during a tense period as McIver and two other congressional members attended the protest and oversight event at the facility. Both sides disagree on whether her actions constituted interference or legitimate oversight.

Amid the controversy, the liberal watchdog Campaign for Accountability filed an ethics complaint against Habba with the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics, alleging political retaliation in the prosecution of McIver and the arrest of Baraka. The group claims the charges were prompted by policy disagreements with the Trump administration.

As McIver prepares for her November trial, the case has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration policy, political protest, and the limits of congressional oversight. Both McIver and Baraka have vowed to continue advocating for their communities and defending their actions, maintaining that they were fulfilling their elected responsibilities.