Justice Department to Charge New Jersey Lawmakers

The Justice Department has indicated that some lawmakers involved in a recent altercation with ice officials at Delaney Hall, a detention center in New Jersey, will face criminal charges.

Alina Haba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, announced that charges against Mayor Las Baraka of Newark will be dropped; however, Representative Ramonica McIver will be indicted.

“I tried to resolve these matters without resorting to criminal charges and gave Rep. McIver a chance to settle the issue, but she didn’t take it,” Haba stated.

“After careful thought, we’ve decided to dismiss the trespassing charges against Mayor Baraka so we can move ahead. I’ve also invited him to tour Delaney Hall, as we have nothing to conceal here,” she added.

She mentioned that the end of the mayor’s charges doesn’t close the matter entirely.

“Rep. McIver has assaulted and obstructed law enforcement, violating Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 111(a)(1),” Haba explained further. “This is a serious issue that must be addressed. My constitutional duty is to ensure the safety of federal law enforcement officials while they fulfill their responsibilities. The justice system will operate fairly, no matter who is involved.”

In response to the announcement, McIver stated that her actions were part of her responsibilities for Congressional oversight. “Earlier this month, I was with a colleague inspecting detainees at Delaney Hall, which is in my district. Like other council members before me, I was conducting legal oversight,” she claimed.

She continued, “The ice agents escalated tensions unnecessarily when they decided to arrest Mayor Baraka. The claims against me are politically motivated, twisting my actions to portray them as criminal and thereby discouraging legislative oversight.” McIver added, “This administration won’t deter me from advocating for our district and doing what’s right. I appreciate the support I’ve received and look forward to presenting the facts in court.”

Mike Howell, president of the Surveillance Project, commented to Blaze News, saying, “U.S. attorney Haba had valid reasons to accuse Rep. McIver of attacking law enforcement. Surveillance cannot justify unlawful behavior. What she was doing doesn’t fit the definition of oversight. To carry out Congressional oversight appropriately, she would need permission, which she lacked. This undermines her position; defending her actions in court could be challenging if she attempts that.”