Rep. LaMonica McIver Charged Amid Protests Over ICE Facility

Newark, N.J. — Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has been charged with assaulting a federal officer during clashes outside an ICE detention facility on May 9, 2025. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the charges on Monday.

McIver was at the forefront of the protest, which saw a mix of lawmakers, activists, and law enforcement pushing against each other outside the facility. The confrontation escalated, catching national attention and highlighting tensions surrounding President Donald Trump‘s stringent immigration policies.

Although McIver faces charges, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also arrested at the scene, will have his federal trespassing charge dropped. Habba confirmed that the decision to dismiss the charge was made following extensive consideration.

In a statement, McIver criticized the allegations against her as politically motivated, asserting they mischaracterize her actions and seek to intimidate those holding the administration accountable. “These charges are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight,” she said.

The incident has intensified discussions about the treatment of protestors and lawmakers opposing harsh immigration policies, with Habba reiterating, “No one is above the law — politicians or otherwise.”

This story remains developing, and further updates are expected as details emerge.