On May 9, 2025, Democratic Representatives LaMonica McIver, Bob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka entered the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that during this unauthorized entry, some lawmakers engaged in physical altercations with ICE personnel, including an incident where Rep. McIver reportedly pushed a female ICE agent to the ground.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, stated that the department possesses bodycam footage of the incident and is considering legal action against those involved, emphasizing that assaulting a federal officer is a serious offense under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 111.
The lawmakers involved have released a joint statement defending their actions, asserting that they were conducting oversight duties and were invited into the facility. They dispute the characterization of their actions as unlawful.