The Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to file charges against one of the three Democratic lawmakers involved in an incident at a New Jersey Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility earlier this year.
Representative LaMonica McIver was captured on bodycam footage allegedly pushing security personnel at the Delaney Hall detention center.
According to The Post Millennial, three anonymous sources informed the New Jersey Globe about the impending charges against McIver. While the specifics of these charges remain undisclosed, interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba is expected to make an announcement as early as Friday, with McIver potentially surrendering on the same day.
The incident in question occurred on May 9, when McIver, along with fellow Democratic lawmakers Bonnie Watson and Rob Menendez, visited the facility. They were accompanied by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who has criticized the facility for allegedly lacking the necessary permits to operate. Baraka was arrested during the visit, though the lawmakers were not detained at that time. McIver was seen in video footage forcing her way past a Department of Homeland Security agent to enter the facility.
The lawmakers' actions have sparked discussions about possible disciplinary measures within Congress. Representative Mike Johnson mentioned that options such as censure, removal from committee assignments, and even expulsion are under consideration. However, he acknowledged that expulsion would be challenging given the current composition of the House.
"Look, I think it's pretty clear that the law was violated," Johnson stated. He drew parallels to a recent case involving a Wisconsin judge indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to conceal an illegal alien from ICE. The judge faces up to six years in prison and fines totaling $350,000 for obstructing justice.
Johnson further remarked, "What these House Democrats did is in that same vein of what the judge is being indicted for, so I think theres some legal ramifications to play out here and well see."
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local political figures, raising questions about the balance of power and the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the potential legal and political consequences for those involved remain to be seen.
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