House Democrats Condemn Charges Against Rep. McQuiver
Democratic leaders in the House expressed strong disapproval of the criminal charges announced against Ramonica McQuiver (D-N.J.) on Monday evening. The charges relate to an altercation during her visit to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, earlier this month.
In a united statement, the House Democrats refrained from labeling the actions of their colleague as “assault.” Instead, they suggested that these rare charges against congressional sit-ins indicate a pushback against governmental surveillance.
“The charges brought against Congressman Ramonica McQuiver are extreme, morally questionable, and lack a factual basis,” the statement read, signed by minority leaders Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Minority Whip Catherine Clarke (D-N.Y.), Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, and Vice-Chair of the Caucus (D-Colo.).
“Congress members have a constitutional duty to oversee executive actions when necessary,” they added. “We are legally entitled to access federal facilities that haven’t publicly announced restrictions on our visits.”
The lawmakers highlighted that by their presence at the Newark detention center, Rep. McQuiver and her colleagues were fulfilling their oath.
This development comes as President Trump’s Justice Department has criminally indicted a sitting lawmaker, marking a notable escalation after McQuiver’s visit to Delaney Hall ICE Detention Center earlier this month, which included other New Jersey Democrats and Newark Mayor Russ Baraka (D).
House leaders countered the accusations from interim U.S. attorney Alina Haba, stating that “they didn’t assault anyone” and that they were attacked by an individual who was unlawfully present.
Furthermore, they explained that despite allegations of being pushed back, the three Congress members were eventually allowed into the facility and received a tour that lasted about an hour.
“There’s no credible evidence that Rep. McQuiver has engaged in any illegal activities. She wouldn’t have been permitted to tour if she had,” the leadership team asserted.
House Democrats decried the legal actions as an intimidation tactic against Congress, asserting it undermines their ability to hold the administrative department accountable. They vowed to take action in the days to come.
“House Democrats will not be intimidated by the Trump administration—today or ever,” the statement proclaimed. “Those responsible for this abuse of power will face consequences. An attack on one of us is an attack on all Americans. We will respond with vigor when we return.”
Other Democratic lawmakers also voiced their opposition to the charges against Rep. McQuiver.
Brad Schneider, the new chair of the Democratic Union, referred to the charges as “yet another instance of ongoing attacks on the rights and freedoms of American citizens and members of Congress.” He insisted that McQuiver has done nothing wrong and criticized what he termed the Trump administration’s “lawless campaign of persecution.”
“We, the Democrats, will not back down. We refuse to stay silent,” Schneider continued. “Our commitment to defending Congressman McQuiver will not waver until the rights and freedoms of every American are secured.”
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), a ranking member of the House Budget Committee, expressed his concern over the charges in an MSNBC interview. He described the situation as “chilling,” suggesting that the intent behind the accusations was to instill fear among Democrats.
“They’re trying to intimidate us, but instead, we become more resolute,” he stated, adding that such actions are far from normal in a healthy democracy and urged all colleagues to be vigilant.
Rep. McQuiver also issued a statement online, denouncing the charges. She criticized ICE agents for provoking “an unnecessary and unsafe conflict” and defended her actions during the visit.
“This administration will continue to advocate for our constituents and uphold what is right,” she concluded.
