Overview
- Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with assaulting federal officers during a protest at Newark's Delaney Hall ICE detention center on May 9.
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, arrested for trespassing at the same event, had his charges dismissed, prompting criticism from a federal judge over the DOJ's handling of the case.
- House Republicans, led by Rep. Nancy Mace, filed a resolution to expel McIver, citing the seriousness of the charges and their precedent for congressional accountability.
- McIver and House Democratic leaders argue the charges are politically motivated and an attempt to suppress lawful congressional oversight of federal facilities.
- Several House Democrats have announced plans for additional unannounced visits to ICE detention centers, emphasizing their oversight authority under federal law.