The U.S. Attorney for New Jersey has dismissed the trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, yet they have proceeded with federal assault charges against U.S. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, according to an announcement made by officials on Monday, May 19.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba noted that her office decided to drop Mayor Baraka’s misdemeanor charge of trespass "to facilitate progress."
The residents of New Jersey require cohesive leadership to ensure our state remains secure," Habba stated. "The removal of the mayor does not signify the conclusion of this issue.
Habba verified that her team is currently concentrating on Congresswoman McIver, whom she claims "attacked, obstructed, and interfered with law enforcement" operations at Delaney Hall, which is an ICE detention center located in Newark.
As previously reported by Daily Voice The Appropriations Act states that lawmakers can visit DHS-run immigration detention facilities for oversight purposes without giving prior notification.
That behavior must not go unobserved by the top federal law enforcement officer in the state of New Jersey," Habba stated. "I have a constitutional duty to guarantee that our federal law enforcement personnel are safeguarded while performing their responsibilities.
Habba mentioned that she had "consistently tried to resolve these matters without resorting to criminal charges" and provided McIver with "numerous chances to reach an agreement," however, McIver refused.
“Nobody is exempt from the law — whether they are politicians or not,” Habba stated. “Now we shall allow the judicial system to function.”
The U.S. Attorney additionally extended an invitation to Mayor Baraka to visit Delaney Hall personally, offering to "accompany him personally so he can witness this directly."
McIver's lawyer, Paul J. Fishman, a partner at Arnold & Porter and ex-U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, strongly condemned the ruling.
The choice to press charges against Congresswoman McIver is incredibly unjustified," Fishman stated. "She visited Delaney Hall to fulfill her duties. Being a member of Congress, she holds both the privilege and obligation to oversee how ICE handles those in detention.
Fishman alleged that ICE officers amplified a calm inspection into pandemonium and characterized the charges as an effort to attribute ICE’s conduct to Congresswoman McIver.
"In the courtroom, what matters are facts—not headlines," he said additionally.
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