Newly released body camera footage reveals a disturbing altercation between federal immigration agents and Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver during a tense standoff at a New Jersey ICE detention center.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 9, when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, accompanied by several Democratic lawmakers and progressive activists, reportedly tried to enter the Delaney Hall facility in Newark. The confrontation resulted in multiple arrests.
The situation gained national attention after Alina Habba, a Trump-affiliated attorney currently serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, posted on X that Mayor Baraka had been detained for unlawfully entering the facility and ignoring repeated warnings from Homeland Security Investigations agents.
Later that day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement condemning the actions of those involved. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the breach wasn’t just a political stunt, but a serious threat to the safety of both federal officers and detainees. “This wasn’t just reckless—it was dangerous,” she added.
Amid the unfolding controversy, bodycam footage from one of the ICE officers on the scene surfaced. The video shows Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat representing New Jersey, shouting profanities and aggressively engaging with ICE personnel. At one point, she’s heard yelling, “I touch whoever I want, you motherf*cker,” as she pushes and strikes an officer.
Conservative media figure Benny Johnson shared the video online, stating that it shows McIver “assaulting federal agents after illegally entering the ICE facility.” In his post, he pointed to the clear violation of federal law—specifically, 18 U.S. Code § 111—which outlines penalties for assaulting or interfering with federal officers.
Johnson added that McIver, seen wearing a red jacket in the footage, ignored ICE directives, obstructed officers during arrests, and made repeated threats, including “You will pay!” as she unleashed a profanity-laced tirade.
Despite the graphic video evidence, Rep. McIver has downplayed the confrontation. Speaking alongside fellow lawmakers who were present, she characterized the visit as part of routine congressional oversight. “At around 1 p.m., my colleagues and I arrived at Delaney Hall to carry out our lawful oversight duties,” she stated.
She disputed DHS’s account, claiming that the press release misrepresented both the event and the number of lawmakers involved. McIver emphasized that similar oversight visits to other facilities, including the Elizabeth Detention Center, had occurred without incident.
