Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced a resolution to censure Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) and remove her from the House Homeland Security Committee, citing her federal indictment for allegedly assaulting ICE agents.
What McIver Is Accused Of
McIver was indicted in May on three felony charges, including assaulting and interfering with federal officers during a May 9 oversight visit to the Delaney Hall Immigration Facility in Newark.
According to the DOJ, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka entered a secure ICE zone during the protest-turned-visit. When federal agents tried to escort him out, McIver allegedly physically intervened, wrapping her arms around Baraka, striking one officer with her forearm, and grabbing another.
Trial Set for November
McIver has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on November 10. She claimed the indictment was politically motivated, accusing the Trump administration and DOJ of trying to silence oversight critics.
“They’ve weaponized the federal government,” she said. “Anyone who stands up to them ends up here.”
Higgins: Conflict of Interest
Rep. Higgins says McIver’s continued presence on the Homeland Security panel is a direct conflict, calling it “untenable” given the charges.
“She should not be participating on the committee that oversees the very agency she’s accused of assaulting,” he told Axios.
Higgins gave Democrats until recess to act, but filed the resolution anyway when they didn’t. GOP rules require indicted members to step off committees. Democrats only require it for leadership positions.
McIver: “This Is About Intimidation”
In response, McIver labeled Higgins a “bigot who wants to be back in the news,” and blasted the move as an attempt to punish her for doing oversight.
“Good luck, Clay,” she added.
Pattern Emerges: Democrats vs. ICE
McIver isn’t alone.
Earlier this summer, NY State Comptroller Brad Lander was briefly detained after he physically interfered with an ICE arrest in Brooklyn, demanding a “judicial warrant” for an illegal immigrant’s detention.
Legal experts quickly corrected the record — ICE doesn’t need judicial warrants because immigration violations are civil, not criminal.
Meanwhile, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) also clashed with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over border enforcement and briefly ended up in handcuffs during a protest, though he was not arrested.
