TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday denied Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver's motions to toss out a prosecution stemming from her visit to an immigration detention center earlier this year.
U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper also indicated that he would reserve judgment on one of the motions put forward by McIver in response to claims from acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump. McIver sought to dismiss the charges on the grounds of constitutional legislative immunity and accusations of selective and vindictive prosecution.
In his ruling, Semper stated that the evidence presented did not substantiate claims of vindictive prosecution and remarked that McIver's actions appeared to be wholly disconnected from her role as a member of Congress.
The legal case has gained attention amidst the ongoing political strife between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers. McIver has been openly critical of Trump's policies and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. She asserts her commitment to continue her legislative duties.
McIver was indicted in June on three counts of assaulting and impeding federal officials, with two counts potentially carrying a maximum of eight years in prison, while a third is classified as a misdemeanor with a one-year maximum.
The alleged incident occurred during her visit to the privately owned Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark on May 9, marking a high-profile backdrop for the conflict involving McIver and the Trump administration.
The charges against her were initiated by acting U.S. Attorney Habba, and as the legal proceedings continue to unfold, McIver remains in the spotlight as she navigates the implications of this case on her role in Congress.
