On Monday evening, acting U.S. Attorney\u00a0Alina Habba\u00a0announced that her office had charged Rep.\u00a0LaMonica McIver\u00a0(D-NJ) in connection with the congresswoman\u2019s visit to an ICE detention facility in Newark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McIver, Newark Mayor\u00a0Ras Baraka\u00a0(D) and Reps.\u00a0Rob Menendez\u00a0(D-NJ)and\u00a0Bonnie Watson Coleman\u00a0(D-NJ) visited the center on May 9. Baraka was arrested on that day, and shortly afterward, Habba\u00a0hailed his arrest<\/a>. But on Monday, Habba announced she is dropping the charges against the mayor and will proceed with the prosecution of McIver, alleging the lawmaker \u201cassaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n On X, Habba wrote, \u201cToday my office has charged Congresswoman McIver with violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) for assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement.\u201d In a statement<\/a>, she added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I take my obligations as U.S. Attorney seriously. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position, and I will work diligently to uphold the law and deliver justice to the people of New Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After extensive consideration, we have agreed to dismiss Mayor Baraka\u2019s misdemeanor charge of trespass for the sake of moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the spirit of public interest, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The citizens of New Jersey deserve unified leadership so we can get to work to keep our state safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dismissal against the mayor is not the end of this matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congressional oversight is an important constitutional function and one that I fully support. However, that is not at issue in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Representative LaMonica McIver assaulted, impeded, and interfered with law enforcement in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1 1 1 (a)(1). That conduct cannot be overlooked by the chief federal law enforcement official in the State of New Jersey, and it is my Constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal law enforcement is protected when executing their duties. I have persistently made efforts to address these issues without bringing criminal charges and have given Representative McIver every opportunity to come to a resolution, but she has unfortunately declined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one is above the law \u2014 politicians or otherwise. It is the job of this office to uphold justice impartially, regardless of who you are. Now we will let the justice system work.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n