Justice Department Accuses Rep. McQuiver of Assaulting Federal Agents
The Justice Department has charged Rep. Ramonica McQuiver with assaulting two federal agents at a Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey last month, according to a new court filing.
The filing references bodycam footage from a law enforcement officer who recorded the incident as McQuiver, along with two fellow New Jersey legislators, entered the ICE facility. Prosecutors indicate that one of the officers attacked was a Homeland Security investigator, while the other was an ICE agent.
According to the DOJ, McQuiver allegedly “slammed her forearm against the body of the uniformed HSI agent and attempted to restrain him.” The charging document further claims that she “pushed the ICE officer and used her forearm to assault the agent.”
Security Heightened at ICE Facility Following Protests
In an official statement, McQuiver rejected the charges as being “purely political.” She mentioned that earlier this month, she had visited the Delaney Hall facility with a colleague to inspect the treatment of ICE detainees, fulfilling what she described as their legal oversight duties. “Our visit should have been peaceful and brief. However, ICE agents escalated the situation when they decided to arrest Mayor Baraka,” she wrote.
She continued, “The allegations against me are politically motivated, aimed at mischaracterizing my actions and obstructing legislative oversight. This administration remains committed to serving our district and standing up for what’s right, for which I am thankful for the overwhelming support I have received.”
Democrats Defend Actions Amid Controversy
Prosecutors assert that agents prevented Newark Mayor Ras Baraka from being handcuffed after McQuiver and others created what some describe as a “human shield.” They state that she ignored multiple warnings that Baraka was about to leave his property and would face arrest.
As an HSI agent informed the mayor about the impending arrest, McQuiver intervened, reportedly exclaiming, “Hell!” According to the documents, when the agent instructed Baraka to place his hands behind his back, McQuiver and her colleagues “surrounded the mayor, obstructing the HSI from arresting him.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Issues Statement
In response to the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem stated on Monday that “no one is above the law.” In her statement, she emphasized, “If anyone assaults law enforcement officials, regardless of their political affiliation or stature, as seen with Rep. McQuiver, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” She also expressed gratitude towards the ICE officers for their service.
