New Jersey Democrat charged over clash with law enforcement outside of ICE facility

The Justice Department on Monday charged New Jersey Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting and impeding law enforcement, for her actions during a protest outside a facility in Newark earlier this month. 

New Jersey Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez also participated in the protest at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, but have not been charged with a crime. 

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also arrested over the protest and charged with trespassing, but U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba posted on X that her office has dropped the trespassing charge.

Habba claimed she gave McIver plenty of opportunity to avoid criminal charges by coming to a resolution peacefully, but the congresswoman has allegedly declined the efforts. 

“No one is above the law — politicians or otherwise,” Habba said. “It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are.”

Footage of the protest showed the three lawmakers engaged in a "scuffle" with law enforcement, according to the New Jersey Globe, including McIver who appeared to try to protect Baraka during his arrest.

McIver has denied any wrongdoing and blasted the charges as a partisan attack. 

“The charges against me are purely political," McIver said in a statement. "They mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight.”

House Republicans celebrated the move on Monday night. Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green said he supports the charges against McIver, who also sits on his committee.

“Like most Americans, I am so tired of seeing those on the Left constantly get away with their lawless, criminal behavior," Green said in a statement. "I fully support the Trump administration’s decision to charge Mrs. McIver, who sits on the Homeland Security Committee, of all places, for her actions that are clearly documented on video. 

"I will continue to work with House leadership to ensure we do our part to hold her accountable, as well," he continued. "We need to send a clear message to would-be lawbreakers around this country—under this administration, no matter how privileged you are, you will be subject to the rule of law.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.