House to Vote on Censuring Rep. LaMonica McIver Over ICE Facility Incident
The U.S. House is set to vote on a censure resolution against New Jersey Democrat LaMonica McIver, who was federally indicted for allegedly interfering with Homeland Security agents at an immigration facility in May. The resolution, led by Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins, argues that her continued service on the Homeland Security Committee poses a conflict of interest, citing the incident where she blocked federal officers during a congressional oversight visit. McIver has denied the charges, calling the situation political intimidation.
The indictment, which was announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, includes three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers during the May 9 incident at the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, N.J. The resolution references Rule XXIII of the House’s Rules, which states that a Member of the House must behave in a manner that reflects creditably on the House. The incident occurred during a congressional oversight visit, which coincided with an immigration protest. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka entered the facility’s secured area, prompting federal agents to warn him to leave. When officers tried to arrest Baraka, McIver allegedly blocked them, putting her arms around the mayor and slamming her forearm into an officer while grabbing another.
McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges, stating that the situation is an example of political intimidation by the Trump administration and its allies. She is now scheduled for trial on November 10. Higgins, who filed the resolution just before the House’s 5-week recess, emphasized that McIver should not be participating on the committee overseeing the federal agency she is accused of committing crimes against. House Republicans’ rules require indicted members to surrender all committee assignments, whereas Democrats only require them to give up leadership positions.
The resolution highlights the potential repercussions of McIver’s actions within the House framework, as per the rules that dictate how members should conduct themselves in relation to their duties. The case has sparked a broader debate about the balance between political accountability and the protection of individual rights for members of Congress, especially in the context of their oversight responsibilities. This incident reflects the complex interplay between federal law enforcement and legislative duties, raising questions about how such conflicts should be resolved. As the trial approaches, the House will consider the implications of upholding disciplinary actions against a member of Congress for alleged misconduct during an oversight visit.