Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) filed a Wednesday decision to expel Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) over pending federal fees associated to a scuffle involving lawmakers, protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers outdoors a migrant detention facility in New Jersey.
McIver was accused of assaulting, impeding and interfering with regulation enforcement after touring Delaney Corridor on Might 9 to conduct authorized oversight.
She has stated she did nothing improper whereas accusing ICE officers of pushing her. Democrats have defended McIver whereas accusing the Trump administration of a political prosecution, whereas Mace joined different Republicans who’ve extensively criticized her actions.
“Members of Congress swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this country — not to obstruct them,” Mace stated in an announcement.
“This isn’t a matter of partisan politics. It’s about whether we’re going to hold Members of Congress to the same legal standards as every other American,” she added.
Mace stated the Home has set a precedent for expelling Members charged, however not but convicted, of significant felony offenses, citing the expulsion of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) in 2023, which she notably voted in opposition to.
“In a time when public trust in government is at a historic low, the House must act decisively,” Mace stated.
“The evidence is clear. The charges are serious. And the public deserves to know that criminal conduct in the halls of Congress has consequences,” she added.
McIver responded to these claims in a Wednesday assertion on X that learn, “In the South, I think they say ‘bless her heart,'” disregarding the decision for expulsion.
McIver has denied all claims of wrongdoing, as have a number of fellow Democrats who have been on the detention middle along with her through the early Might go to.
“The charges against me are purely political — they mischaracterize and distort my actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight,” McIver, who’s in her first time period, wrote in a Monday assertion on the social platform X.
Alina Habba, the performing U.S. lawyer for the District of New Jersey, stated she provided McIver a plea deal after dropping comparable fees in opposition to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D).
Democratic management has spoken out in protection of McIver.
“Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch wherever and whenever it is needed. We are lawfully permitted to show up at any federal facility unannounced to conduct an inspection on behalf of the American people,” learn an announcement signed by Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.), Home Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.), caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (Calif.) and Assistant Chief Joe Neguse (Colo.).
The lawmakers added, “By visiting the detention middle in Newark, Rep. McIver and two different Members of Congress have been upholding their oath of workplace.”
Up to date at 4:58 p.m.
