U.S. Representative Lamonica McQuiver was charged on Tuesday with a federal offense, alleging that she obstructed an immigration officer at a detention facility in New Jersey.
The charges were announced by New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney Alina Haba through a social media post.
“Sure, everyone can voice their opinions—whether for or against policies— but not in ways that jeopardize law enforcement and the communities they serve,” Haba commented.
Democrat McQuiver faces two counts of assault related to an incident on May 9 at Delaney Hall in Newark.
She has contested the allegations, claiming they lack merit, and insisted that her actions were within her rights as a Congress member.
Paul Fishman, her attorney and a former U.S. Attorney from New Jersey, stated they intend to confront these allegations directly in court.
“This legal situation reveals political retaliation against someone who is committed to serving her community,” Fishman added.
The charges carry serious penalties; each count could result in prison time of up to eight years, with a third charge having a maximum of one year. Haba described the situation as an obstruction against federal law enforcement.
This case adds to a complex political background, as the Trump administration had previously taken legal actions against Democratic officials in New Jersey, particularly concerning immigration policy. It’s noteworthy to see a federal prosecution targeting a member of Congress on these grounds, rather than the typical issues like fraud or corruption.
During the same event that led to McQuiver’s charges, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing but later released. Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Haba, alleging malicious prosecution.
A nearly two-minute video released by the Department of Homeland Security shows McQuiver near the facility’s chain-link fence just prior to Baraka’s arrest, amidst a group of protesters. In the footage, she appears to make contact with a police officer, although it’s unclear if this was intentional, accidental, or a misunderstanding amid the chaotic scene.
The complaint accuses her of using her forearm against an officer and attempting to restrain him.
On that day, other New Jersey lawmakers, including Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, were present at the detention center, voicing their opposition to the arrest and the charges.
Members of Congress have the right to visit federal immigration facilities as part of their oversight responsibilities, a privilege established by a spending bill passed in 2019.
McQuiver, 38, made her congressional debut in a special election last September after the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. She won a full term in November, following her role as president of the Newark City Council from 2022 to 2024, and prior work in the public school system.
