Trump Appointed US Attorney Charges Congresswoman After Mayor Freed
A dramatic turn of events unfolded after an incident at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
One prominent politician walked free, but another now faces federal charges.
Incident at Delaney Hall
The situation stems from a visit to Delaney Hall, an ICE facility located in Newark, New Jersey, which houses migrants.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside the facility on May 9 during a visit alongside members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation.
The mayor, a Democrat currently seeking the governorship, has been a vocal critic of the facility.
He has argued the facility is dangerous, illegal, and that its private operator has obstructed inspections and failed to obtain necessary permits.
These claims, however, have been denied by the Department of Homeland Security.
Mayor’s Case Dismissed
Initially, Mayor Baraka faced a federal trespassing charge following his arrest.
Last week, prosecutors indicated they were prepared to take the case to trial.
However, in a sudden move Monday, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced the dismissal of the charge against the mayor.
“After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward,” Habba stated.
“I am glad that the U.S. Attorney has agreed that this case should be dismissed,” Mayor Baraka responded.
He added, “As to Delaney Hall, I will continue to advocate for the humane treatment of detainees, and I will continue to press the facility to ensure that it is compliant with City of Newark codes and regulations.”
U.S. Attorney Habba extended an invitation to the mayor, saying, “I have invited the mayor to tour Delaney Hall. The government has nothing to hide at this facility, and I will personally accompany the mayor so he can see that firsthand.”
She concluded, “The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe. The dismissal against the mayor is not the end of this matter.”
A Different Outcome
While the mayor’s case was closed, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced a new development involving another politician present during the May 9 incident.
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who was at Delaney Hall when the mayor was taken into custody, is now facing federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a longtime ally of former President Trump and appointed by him as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor in March, made the announcement.
The charges against the congresswoman are serious.
Congresswoman Faces Charges
Congresswoman McIver has been charged with “assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement” during the incident at the ICE facility.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a statement confirming the decision to charge McIver followed “a thorough review of the video footage of Delaney Hall.”
Congresswoman McIver, also a Democrat, vehemently denied the charges.
“The charges against me are purely political,” McIver stated.
She claimed they “mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight.”
McIver maintains she was fulfilling her “lawful oversight responsibilities” during the visit.
“This administration will never stop me from working for the people in our district and standing up for what is right,” she added.
Mayor Baraka offered his support for the congresswoman.
“Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark… I want to be clear: I stand with LaMonica, and I fully expect her to be vindicated,” he said.
The Department of Homeland Security had previously released body cam video showing moments of the incident.
While the mayor’s case is closed, the legal battle for the congresswoman is just beginning.
The federal charges against Rep. McIver mark a significant development stemming from the controversial incident at the ICE facility, brought by the office of a Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney.