U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced a resolution to expel Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) from Congress after she was indicted for allegedly assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside a facility in Newark last week.
McIver is facing charges of assaulting federal agents after video footage captured her elbowing ICE and Department of Homeland Security agents outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility. McIver and a few of her House colleagues joined Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in what they described as an attempt to “inspect” the facility.
The group then surged past an exterior gate, at which point Mayor Baraka was arrested on trespassing charges. McIver could then be seen jostling with federal agents in an effort to stop the arrest.
The Democrat lawmaker was released on her own recognizance after pleading not guilty to the charges in an initial court appearance on Wednesday, though House Republicans are calling for her to be stripped of her committee assignments or expelled from Congress outright.
“On May 9th, McIver didn’t just break the law, she attacked the very people who defend it,” Mace said when filing legislation to expel McIver on Wednesday. “Attacking Homeland Security and ICE agents isn’t just disgraceful, it’s assault. If any other American did what she did, they’d be in handcuffs. McIver thinks being a Member of Congress puts her above the law. It doesn’t. She should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The press release cited officer-worn body camera footage that shows McIver, who was wearing a red pullover, repeatedly elbowing and shoving a federal agent. Another angle shows the congresswoman throwing a punch as she attempted to stop Baraka’s arrest.
“Members of Congress swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this country—not to obstruct them,” Mace continued. “This isn’t a matter of partisan politics. It’s about whether we’re going to hold Members of Congress to the same legal standards as every other American.”
Mace’s resolution notes that the House has already set precedent for expelling members who have been charged of serious crimes, but have not yet been convicted, by pointing to the expulsion of former U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY)
“In a time when public trust in government is at a historic low, the House must act decisively,” said Mace. “The evidence is clear. The charges are serious. And the public deserves to know that criminal conduct in the halls of Congress has consequences.”
Charges against Baraka were dropped by acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, though charges for assaulting law enforcement officers were filed against McIver on Monday.
“I have personally reviewed the evidence, including bodycam footage, firsthand accounts, and witnesses. The facts are clear: Representative McIver assaulted a law enforcement officer and has repeatedly shown a disregard for the rule of law,” Habba announced in a press release.
“No one—regardless of who you are, your politics, or your station—is above the law. Now let us see if the Justice system will continue to uphold that fundamental truth, regardless of party affiliation.”
