### New Jersey Congresswoman Faces Assault Charges; Mayor's Charges Dropped

In a recent development, the Department of Justice has charged New Jersey Representative LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal agents. This move follows an incident outside a Newark immigration detention center, where federal enforcement clashed with elected officials. At the same time, the Department has decided to drop a trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, arising from the same event.

Alina Habba, the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, shared the news on the social media platform X, where she detailed the charges against McIver. According to Habba, McIver is accused of "assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement" during her visit on May 9 with two other Democratic members of Congress. Habba emphasized that justice must be impartial, stating, "No one is above the law - politicians or otherwise."

In response, McIver claimed that the federal law enforcement officers had instigated the conflict. She argued that the charges are politically motivated, intended to distort her actions and dissuade legislative oversight. Despite efforts by the Justice Department to resolve the issue without formal charges, McIver declined to accept the proposed resolution.

In another twist, the trespassing charge against Mayor Baraka was dismissed. Baraka had been arrested during the same incident after attempting to join the lawmakers on a tour of the detention center but was denied entry. Habba mentioned that the decision was made "for the sake of moving forward." Baraka expressed relief at the dropping of charges and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for humane treatment of detainees at Delaney Hall.

The incident originally took place during an oversight visit to the facility by McIver and her colleagues, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez. The lawmakers, along with Mayor Baraka's supporters, formed a protective circle around him, which led to a chaotic scene that the Trump administration characterized as a violent mob attack on federal officers.

Despite differing accounts, both sides have pointed to video footage to support their narratives. Federal officials and the lawmakers released various videos showing the chaotic nature of the confrontation, although no injuries were reported.

The controversy has sparked a significant backlash. House Democrat leaders criticized the charges against McIver as “extreme and morally bankrupt.” McIver’s lawyer, Paul J. Fishman, called the charges "spectacularly inappropriate" and accused ICE agents of escalating what should have been a peaceful situation.

Adding to the political divide, Republicans have leveraged the incident to criticize Democrats, arguing that they prioritize protecting immigrants over U.S. citizens. Representative Buddy Carter and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have both called for punitive measures against McIver and her colleagues.

The May 9 visit was part of a broader opposition by New Jersey Democratic officials against the newly opened Delaney Hall, which was contracted by ICE through GEO Group to expand federal detention capacity. Mayor Baraka, a vocal opponent, argued that the facility lacked the necessary city permits and inspections, further inflaming the situation.

As both sides continue to exchange accusations, the incident underscores the contentious political climate surrounding immigration and legislative oversight in the United States.