Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey appeared in court on Wednesday after being charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly assaulting federal immigration agents.
During the virtual court appearance, a judge ordered McIver to surrender her firearms and restricted her from international travel unless it is for official duties. She must also notify authorities in advance of any such travel. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11.
If convicted, McIver could face up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The charges stem from an incident at a federal detention facility in Newark, where McIver was reportedly involved in a confrontation with ICE agents. According to the federal complaint, she allegedly struck and attempted to physically restrain one of the agents.
Officials say the allegations are supported by body camera footage and aerial surveillance, which reportedly show McIver interfering with law enforcement activity during the arrest of another individual. That individual, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, had been charged with misdemeanor trespassing. The charge was later dropped.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that the charges against McIver are based on her alleged conduct, which involved contact with federal officers during the execution of their duties.
In a separate hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Andre Espinosa criticized the handling of the trespassing charge against Baraka, calling the decision to drop the case an “embarrassing misstep.” He emphasized the importance of due process and impartiality in prosecutorial decisions, dismissing the complaint with prejudice—meaning it cannot be refiled.
McIver has served as a representative for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since September. She has denied wrongdoing and stated that she was acting within the scope of her official responsibilities.
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