Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday to federal felony assault charges following her arrest on May 9 at an immigration enforcement detention facility in Newark, New Jersey.
McIver is accused by federal prosecutors of physically interfering with the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during what was supposed to be a visit to review conditions at Delaney Hall, a privately managed detention center used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Related criminal charges against Baraka have been dismissed.
McIver's release about the events blamed the Trump administration. "Yesterday, at Delaney Hall, I witnessed firsthand the chaos and cruelty that defines the Trump administration's immigration policy."
She said members of Congress have a right to oversee federal immigration and related enforcement programs. "We were met with contempt, disrespect and aggression from ICE," added McIver.
McIver said none of what transpired needed to happen. "From roughing up members of Congress to arresting the mayor of our state's largest city, there is no version of today that does not show the blatant abuses of power of the Trump administration."
The New Jersey Globe reported McIver spoke briefly with supporters outside the courtroom following her arraignment. "I just left court and pleaded not guilty because I am not guilty," she said. "And we will fight this. At the end of the day, this is about political intimidation."
Some members of the U.S. House don't see things that way. The Globe reported that Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., introduced a resolution on Tuesday to censure McIver and eliminate her position on the Homeland Security Committee.
McIver's tentative trial date on the assault charges was set for Nov. 10.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.
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