A Tense Confrontation
On May 9, 2025, a dramatic scene unfolded outside Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver now faces federal felony charges for allegedly assaulting and interfering with law enforcement during a protest. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, also present, had his trespassing charges dropped. The incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with McIver calling the charges politically motivated and federal officials insisting that no one is above the law.
What Happened?
McIver, alongside Mayor Baraka and Representatives Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman, joined protesters outside Delaney Hall to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees. The facility, operated by the GEO Group, has been under scrutiny for allegedly operating without a valid certificate of occupancy. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the group rushed through the facility’s gates as they opened for an ICE bus, bypassing security. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that such actions would lead to arrests for any citizen, regardless of status.
Federal Charges and Responses
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba charged McIver with violating federal law by assaulting and impeding officers. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem supported the charges, stating, “No one is above the law.” McIver, facing potential jail time, must turn herself in soon. She argues the charges are an attempt to stifle congressional oversight, claiming ICE agents provoked the confrontation by arresting Baraka and mishandling lawmakers. Videos show a chaotic scene with no reported injuries, and the lawmakers were later allowed to tour the facility.
Baraka’s Charges Dropped
Mayor Baraka, initially charged with trespassing, said he was “targeted” but was relieved when Habba dismissed his case. He insists video evidence shows he was allowed to enter calmly and plans to continue advocating for detainees’ rights. Baraka also expressed strong support for McIver, predicting her vindication.
Broader Implications
The clash has heightened tensions, with new barricades now surrounding Delaney Hall and 20 states planning to sue the Trump administration over immigration policies. As McIver prepares for court, the incident underscores the ongoing debate over congressional authority versus law enforcement power. The truth may hinge on conflicting accounts of who instigated the confrontation.
A Tense Confrontation
On May 9, 2025, a dramatic scene unfolded outside Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver now faces federal felony charges for allegedly assaulting and interfering with law enforcement during a protest. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, also present, had his trespassing charges dropped. The incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with McIver calling the charges politically motivated and federal officials insisting that no one is above the law.
What Happened?
McIver, alongside Mayor Baraka and Representatives Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson Coleman, joined protesters outside Delaney Hall to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees. The facility, operated by the GEO Group, has been under scrutiny for allegedly operating without a valid certificate of occupancy. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the group rushed through the facility’s gates as they opened for an ICE bus, bypassing security. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that such actions would lead to arrests for any citizen, regardless of status.
Federal Charges and Responses
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba charged McIver with violating federal law by assaulting and impeding officers. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem supported the charges, stating, “No one is above the law.” McIver, facing potential jail time, must turn herself in soon. She argues the charges are an attempt to stifle congressional oversight, claiming ICE agents provoked the confrontation by arresting Baraka and mishandling lawmakers. Videos show a chaotic scene with no reported injuries, and the lawmakers were later allowed to tour the facility.
Baraka’s Charges Dropped
Mayor Baraka, initially charged with trespassing, said he was “targeted” but was relieved when Habba dismissed his case. He insists video evidence shows he was allowed to enter calmly and plans to continue advocating for detainees’ rights. Baraka also expressed strong support for McIver, predicting her vindication.
Broader Implications
The clash has heightened tensions, with new barricades now surrounding Delaney Hall and 20 states planning to sue the Trump administration over immigration policies. As McIver prepares for court, the incident underscores the ongoing debate over congressional authority versus law enforcement power. The truth may hinge on conflicting accounts of who instigated the confrontation.