On Wednesday, a number of Republicans teamed up with House Democrats, effectively halting the GOP’s attempt to rebuke Representative Lamonica McIver (D-N.J.) for her involvement in a controversial incident with law enforcement aimed at arresting Newark’s Mayor. The Democrats successfully moved to table the resolution with a vote of 215-207. This proposal, backed by Representative Clay Higgins (R-La.), would have also resulted in McIver’s removal from her position on the House Homeland Security Committee.
Some Republicans, including Kevin Kiley (California), Don Bacon (Nevada), David Joyce (Ohio), Mike Turner (Ohio), and David Barradao (California), voted alongside Democrats, while Andrew Gerbarino (R-N.Y.) and Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) chaired the committee.
McIver had previously blocked a resolution initiated by the GOP. She expressed strong sentiments about her responsibilities, stating that rather than working to improve constituents’ lives, Higgins’ efforts seemed more about punishing her for standing up against the administration. “If they think they can intimidate me, they’re mistaken,” she remarked.
During the vote, Democrats could be heard shouting, “You’re not sorted out.” Footage from an earlier incident shows McIver interacting with a crowd outside the Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center, visibly surprised by the chaos. Afterward, she and two lawmakers were permitted to tour the facility; however, shortly thereafter, former U.S. Attorney Alina Habba accused McIver of misconduct.
Some Democrats have criticized the push against McIver, suggesting it undermines Congressional oversight of Trump’s policies. That same day, Democrats introduced a resolution to condemn Representative Corey Mills (R-Fla.) for an alleged assault incident from February. After the event was made public, Mills faced allegations from two separate women but denied any wrongdoing.
Representative Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), leading the condemnation effort, mentioned she may reconsider her motion but still wishes to engage with McIver. She emphasized the importance of accountability among colleagues, saying, “We can’t ignore the disciplinary tools available to us.” Clarke later voiced her belief that the accusations against McIver were politically motivated.
If convicted, McIver could face serious penalties, including up to 17 years in prison. The next hearing regarding the incident is set for October.
This incident involving lawmakers and immigration officials escalated when staff at Delaney Hall attempted to prevent Newark Mayor Ras Baraka from entering. Lawmakers have the right to visit these facilities without notice, unlike other officials. Tensions rose when an immigration officer indicated Baraka would be arrested.
Amid numerous warnings, a Homeland Security Investigations agent attempted to detain the mayor. McIver intervened, vocally opposing the arrest and physically positioning herself between Baraka and the officer, essentially forming a barrier. According to reports, she used her arm to create contact in an effort to stop the officer.
Eventually, federal prosecutors in New Jersey dismissed charges against Baraka after scrutiny of the way the case was handled, with a judge noting serious flaws in the prosecution’s approach. Baraka has since filed a lawsuit for false arrest and other claims against Habba, asserting her actions were politically charged and lacked judicial basis.
Habba, who had served as a temporary U.S. Attorney, faced her own scrutiny after her authority was questioned. Though appointed during the Trump administration, a federal judge ruled her designation was improperly extended.
