Representative McIver Avoids Censure as House Tables Resolution Amidst Assault Charges
A contentious resolution to censure Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) failed in the House last week, with a 215-207 vote to table the measure. The resolution, sponsored by Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA), stemmed from allegations that McIver assaulted immigration officers during a congressional visit to a federal facility in New Jersey.This outcome leaves McIver’s position on the House Homeland Security Committee intact,for now.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation, the vote, and the ongoing legal challenges:
The Allegations & Federal Charges
The controversy centers around an incident on May 9th at the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, NJ. mciver, along with Newark Mayor Ray Baraka and fellow Democratic Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, was conducting an oversight inspection.
Federal prosecutors allege that McIver physically assaulted two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Specifically, she’s accused of forcibly grabbing and slamming one agent with her forearm and striking another. She currently faces three federal charges, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to eight years. McIver has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Censure Vote & Unexpected “No” Votes
Higgins’ resolution aimed to condemn McIver’s actions and remove her from the homeland Security Committee. While the vote to table the resolution passed along party lines, several Republicans broke ranks.
Representatives don Bacon (NE), Mike Flood (NE), Dave Joyce (OH), Mike Turner (OH), and David Valadao (CA) all voted against the censure. Representatives Andrew garbarino (NY) and Nathaniel Moran (TX) voted present. Representative Turner’s office later stated his “no” vote was a mistake and wouldn’t have altered the outcome.
Why the Opposition? Concerns Over Due Process
Several Republicans expressed reservations about moving forward with censure before the Ethics Committee completed its review.
Representative Garbarino believes a thorough Ethics Committee investigation is necessary.
Representative Bacon echoed this sentiment,stating he wants the Ethics Committee to finish its report.
This highlights a concern among some lawmakers about possibly prejudging the case before all facts are gathered.
Democrats Cry Political Motivation
Democrats have strongly defended McIver, characterizing the charges and censure attempt as politically motivated. they argue McIver was simply fulfilling her congressional duties by inspecting the ICE facility.
McIver’s legal team maintains she did not commit any crimes and that federal agents reacted disproportionately. They claim she was attempting to oversee conditions at the facility when the alleged incident occurred.
What Happens Next?
The legal proceedings against McIver are ongoing.The outcome of the trial will likely determine her future on the Homeland Security Committee. Higgins indicated he would have withdrawn the censure resolution had McIver voluntarily stepped down from her committee position.
This case underscores the increasing tension surrounding congressional oversight of immigration enforcement and the potential for conflict when lawmakers directly engage with federal agencies.
You can find more data from these sources:
News/US/2025/06/25/lamonica-mciver-arraignment-hearing/6161750874633/”>UPI: McIver Arraignment
Politico: House Kills McIver Censure
[Roll Call: House halts Censure Resolution](https://rollcall.com/2025/09/03/house-halts-censure-resolution-against-rep
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