Video footage released by Homeland Security appears to show a Democratic congresswoman physically assaulting ICE officers during an immigration detention facility visit, sparking investigation and possible criminal charges.
At a Glance
- Homeland Security released video allegedly showing Rep. LaMonica McIver assaulting federal officers at an ICE detention facility
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested and charged with trespassing during the incident
- Democrats claim they were exercising legal congressional oversight authority, while DHS officials say they “stormed” the facility
- DHS spokesperson indicated that arresting members of Congress remains “on the table” as the investigation continues
- The incident has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates about immigration detention oversight
Confrontation Caught on Camera
The Department of Homeland Security has released video footage allegedly showing Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver in a physical altercation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The video depicts McIver, who was wearing a red blazer during the incident, reportedly jostling with agents at the Delaney Hall Detention Center in New Jersey. According to DHS officials, the footage shows moments where McIver appears to strike officers while attempting to gain access to the facility.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin released the video on social media while emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for assaults on federal agents. McLaughlin stated that more evidence would likely be forthcoming, noting, “This is an ongoing investigation, and that is definitely on the table,” when asked about the possibility of arresting members of Congress involved in the incident.
Escalating Tensions Over Immigration Detention Protest: DHS Considers Arresting Lawmakers
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that the possibility of arresting Democratic members of Congress is "definitely on the table" following a heated confrontation at… https://t.co/4oOW3BqKmi
— Political Maverick (@PoliticalMav) May 10, 2025
Detention Facility Access Dispute
The altercation occurred when three New Jersey Democratic Representatives visited the ICE facility for what they described as a congressional oversight visit. While no members of Congress were arrested during the encounter, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was detained and charged with trespassing. The lawmakers claim they were simply exercising their legal authority to inspect immigration detention facilities, a right they say is clearly established in federal law.
McIver directly disputed the DHS characterization, stating: “We were exercising our legal oversight function as we have done at the Elizabeth Detention Center without incident.” The congresswoman and her colleagues insist they were met with unnecessary resistance and aggression from ICE officers who obstructed their legal right to inspect the facility. This conflict highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement agencies and congressional oversight efforts.
Legal Powers and Potential Consequences
According to Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Congress specifically added provisions requiring ICE to allow lawmakers access to detention facilities without prior notice after access issues during the previous administration. Thompson condemned the ICE response, stating: “ICE needs to keep its hands to itself and treat everyone with respect. They are officers of the law – not Trump’s stormtroopers.”
DHS officials present a starkly different narrative, claiming that the lawmakers “stormed” the facility rather than following proper procedures. McLaughlin stated that a tour could have been arranged had the members of Congress made a formal request beforehand. The department has referred inquiries about potential criminal charges to the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey, who has not yet issued any public comment on the matter.
Political Fallout
This incident has rapidly evolved into a rallying point for both immigration activists and congressional Democrats concerned about conditions within detention facilities. Mayor Baraka has vehemently denied the assault allegations and questioned the legitimacy of the trespassing charge against him. The video footage and competing narratives have intensified the already heated national debate over immigration enforcement practices and congressional oversight authority.
The U.S. Attorney’s office will ultimately determine whether to pursue criminal charges against any of the involved lawmakers. If charges are filed against a sitting member of Congress for assaulting federal officers, it would represent an extraordinary escalation in the contentious relationship between immigration enforcement agencies and their congressional overseers. The full video evidence, which DHS claims includes body camera footage, will likely play a crucial role in determining the legal outcome of this confrontation.
