NEWARK, NJ — Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced that Rep. LaMonica McIver is facing federal charges for allegedly obstructing law enforcement officers during a confrontation outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark, earlier this month. Meanwhile, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will not face trespassing charges stemming from the same incident.
In a statement posted Monday on X (formerly Twitter), Habba said, “Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of federal law. As New Jersey’s chief federal law enforcement officer, it is my duty to protect those who serve and enforce the law.”
McIver pushed back on the charges, calling them politically motivated.
“In early May, I joined fellow lawmakers to inspect the conditions at Delaney Hall, which houses ICE detainees in my district,” McIver said in a social media statement. “We were performing lawful oversight, something members of Congress have done many times before. But ICE officers escalated the situation when they arrested Mayor Baraka.”
She continued, “These charges are an attempt to distort what happened and to intimidate those of us fighting for accountability. I will not be silenced or deterred from doing my job on behalf of my constituents. I look forward to having my day in court.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also weighed in, stating, “No one is above the law. If someone assaults a law enforcement officer, regardless of political status, they will be held accountable.” She praised ICE officers for their service.
Fox News reports that McIver is required to surrender to authorities soon, though the exact timing will be determined by a magistrate. Prosecutors say she is facing multiple felony charges and could face prison time if convicted.
Meanwhile, Habba confirmed that the trespassing charge against Mayor Baraka has been dropped. Baraka had been charged with a misdemeanor after allegedly entering the privately run facility—operated by GEO Group—without authorization. He appeared in court last Thursday with Habba present.
“I believe I was targeted,” Baraka said after the hearing.
In a statement Monday, he said, “I’m relieved this case has been dismissed. I’ve always had good working relationships with previous U.S. Attorneys, and I hope to collaborate with the current office as well. I will continue advocating for humane treatment of detainees and ensuring Delaney Hall complies with Newark’s regulations.”
Baraka also voiced strong support for McIver: “LaMonica is a lifelong Newarker, former City Council President, and a friend. I fully expect her to be vindicated.”
The confrontation occurred when Baraka, McIver, Reps. Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman, and a group of protesters gathered outside the facility. As an ICE bus approached, officials say the lawmakers and others rushed past security through the gates.
“If any regular citizen tried to force their way into a detention facility, they’d be arrested,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on Fox News. “Being a public official doesn’t put you above the law.”
But McIver and her allies argue that ICE provoked the conflict.
“The way we were treated was outrageous,” McIver said in a previous post. “ICE shoved me, manhandled Rep. Watson Coleman, and arrested Mayor Baraka. They tried to stop us from performing our oversight duties. But we won’t be intimidated.”
Delaney Hall, recently converted into an ICE detention center, has been under fire from local activists demanding access and transparency. The City of Newark says the facility lacks a valid certificate of occupancy. However, GEO Group insists it is operating legally.
Following the incident, yellow barricades and “No Trespassing” signs have been installed outside the facility.
