Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced a resolution to expel Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) from Congress following her indictment for allegedly assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside a Newark facility last week.
McIver faces charges after video footage appeared to show her elbowing ICE and Department of Homeland Security agents outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility. McIver, along with several House colleagues, had joined Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in what they described as an effort to “inspect” the facility.
The group then pushed past an exterior gate, leading to Mayor Baraka’s arrest on trespassing charges. Rep. McIver was seen on video confronting and jostling with federal agents in an apparent attempt to block the arrest. The Democratic lawmaker pleaded not guilty during her initial court appearance on Wednesday and was released on her own recognizance.
In response, House Republicans are demanding she be stripped of her committee assignments or expelled from Congress entirely.
“On May 9th, McIver didn’t just break the law, she attacked the very people who defend it,” Mace said when filing legislation to expel McIver on Wednesday. “Attacking Homeland Security and ICE agents isn’t just disgraceful, it’s assault. If any other American did what she did, they’d be in handcuffs. McIver thinks being a Member of Congress puts her above the law. It doesn’t. She should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
? BREAKING: Rep. Nancy Mace just filed a resolution to EXPEL Rep. LaMonica McIver from Congress after she was formally charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer.
THAT’S what has to happen. NO rewarding this behavior. REMOVE HER! pic.twitter.com/jvuF2JLe8s
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 21, 2025
The press release referenced body camera footage showing Rep. McIver, identifiable by her red pullover, repeatedly elbowing and shoving a federal agent. Another camera angle reportedly captures the congresswoman throwing a punch while trying to intervene in Mayor Baraka’s arrest.
“Members of Congress swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of this country—not to obstruct them,” Mace continued. “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.”
Mace’s resolution points out that the House has previously established precedent for expelling members charged with serious crimes—even before a conviction—citing the expulsion of former U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) as an example.
“In a time when public trust in government is at a historic low, the House must act decisively,” said Mace. “The evidence is clear. The charges are serious. And the public deserves to know that criminal conduct in the halls of Congress has consequences.”
