Rep. McIver's Legal Battle Continues Over Detention Center Incident

Thu Nov 13 2025 20:30:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge denies Rep. LaMonica McIver's efforts to dismiss charges related to a visit at an immigration detention site, sparking political tension.

On Thursday, a federal court rejected Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver's motions to dismiss an assault case linked to her May visit to Newark's Delaney Hall immigration detention center. The judge ruled her actions were unrelated to her Congressional duties, heightening the clash between McIver, a vocal critic of former President Trump, and acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. McIver faces multiple charges, including assaulting federal officials, and maintains her innocence as she vows to continue her legislative work amidst ongoing legal challenges.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A key legal hurdle for Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver was crossed on Thursday when a federal judge denied her motions to dismiss an ongoing prosecution against her. This legal dispute stems from her controversial visit to Newark's Delaney Hall immigration detention facility earlier this year.

U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper noted that McIver did not demonstrate that the charges, brought by acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, were unjustly motivated or connected to her role as a legislator.

McIver's argument centered on claiming her actions were protected under legislative immunity, asserting her visit aimed at oversight of federal immigration policies. Nonetheless, the judge disagreed, stating that her behavior was distinctly separate from her duties as a Congress member.

This case has stirred political tensions, especially since it features McIver, who has actively criticized Trump’s immigration policies, opposing Habba, a former attorney for the ex-president.

Facing multiple assault charges related to the incident — charges she pleads not guilty to — McIver insists on continuing her work in Congress undeterred by her legal predicaments.