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DOJ Charges NJ Rep. LaMonica McIver over Newark ICE Visit, Lifts Charges Against Mayor Baraka

HeadlineMay 20, 2025

The Justice Department on Monday charged New Jersey Congressmember LaMonica McIver with assault against federal agents over the clash at a Newark immigration detention center earlier this month. McIver was at the ICE facility for an oversight visit with two other Democratic congressmembers and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested at that time. On Monday, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba — who was also Trump’s personal lawyer — announced she’s dismissing a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Baraka.

Congressmember McIver said in a statement, “The charges against me are purely political — they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight.” The ACLU warned, “If the Trump administration can target elected officials who oppose its extreme agenda, it can happen to any one of us.”

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