U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver has been charged in a three-count indictment for forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officers, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
The indictment alleges that on May 9, 2025, McIver obstructed federal officers who were attempting to arrest an individual outside the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, New Jersey. On that day, McIver and two other members of Congress were at the facility for a congressional oversight inspection, which coincided with an immigration protest rally.
After entering the secured area of the facility, Newark's Mayor arrived and was allowed access. A federal officer informed the Mayor he was unauthorized to be there and warned him multiple times about potential arrest if he did not leave. Overhearing this exchange, McIver and other Congressional Delegation members challenged the officer's actions against the Mayor. When officers moved to arrest the Mayor, McIver and others intervened by surrounding him to prevent his handcuffing.
Following these events, law enforcement made another attempt to arrest the Mayor outside the secured area. During this attempt, someone shouted "circle the mayor," prompting McIver to place her arms around him in a bid to stop Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) from completing their task. In her efforts, she allegedly struck one officer with her forearm and attempted to restrain another by grabbing them forcibly.
If convicted on Count One or Count Two of forcible impeding and interfering charges, McIver faces up to eight years in prison per count. For Count Three, she faces up to one year in prison.
Special agents from U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations are credited with conducting this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McCarren from Newark's Special Prosecutions Division is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that an indictment consists only of allegations; defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Defense counsel includes Paul Fishman, Esq., and Lee Cortes, Esq.
