The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering arresting a group of Democratic lawmakers involved in the New Jersey ICE detention center visit that turned violent. The detention center was the first to open under the Trump administration, making its selection politically significant.
Far left lawmakers, Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Coleman, and Rob Menendez allegedly stormed the Delaney Hall Detention Center, resulting in the assault of an ICE agent. Democratic Mayor Baraka, who has already been already been arrested and charged with trespassing, also joined them, resulting in the ensuing fracas.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News that the lawmakers should not expect special treatment for the alleged actions that would put ordinary citizens behind bars.
“Just because you are a member of Congress or just because you’re a public official, does not mean you are above the law,” she said.
“If you assault a law enforcement officer, we will also make sure you answer to justice,” she continued. “So, I think that arrests are still on the table for this. This is an ongoing investigation.”
In a separate statement, McLaughlin said storming a detention facility was beyond political stunts as it endangers the safety of law enforcement agents and detainees.
“Members of Congress storming into a detention facility goes beyond a bizarre political stunt and puts the safety of our law enforcement agents and detainees at risk,” she said. “Members of Congress are not above the law and cannot illegally break into detention facilities.”
Unlike many January 6 hostages who spent months or years in deplorable conditions for merely entering the Capitol, no Democratic lawmaker has so far been held accountable for their inciting rhetoric or obstructing ICE operations.
However, that assessment may soon change, as Axios reports that DHS has obtained body camera footage allegedly showing one of the lawmakers “body-slamming a female ICE officer.”
When reportedly warned of an impending lawful arrest, the lawmaker allegedly threatened the female officer, shouting, “I touch whoever I want, motherf*cker!” and added, “You will pay!” seemingly as a threat to her career.
Under 8 U.S. Code § 111, any person who assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with a federal officer risks jail time or a fine or both. McLaughlin insists that the DHS body camera footage proves that the Democratic lawmaker assaulted a federal agent.
“We actually have body camera footage of these members of Congress assaulting these ICE enforcement officers, including body slamming a female ICE officer,” McLaughlin told CNN.
“We will not tolerate assault against our ICE law enforcement agents. By members of Congress or anyone else,” she tweeted.
In her defense, Rep McIver says that ICE agents shoved her, manhandled Rep. Coleman, and arrested Mayor Baraka.
“They disrespected us and tried to stop us from conducting the oversight we’re elected to do. But we’ll never back down in our fight for what is right.”
However, the video clearly shows her pushing the officer from behind. Similarly, it was likely not her responsibility to intervene on behalf of other lawmakers, suggesting that she is grasping at straws to justify her behavior.
In addition, while the lawmakers claimed they visited the detention facility in their oversight capacity, the city has no responsibility for auditing the federal government, thus making Mayor Baraka’s visit unwelcome and potentially justifying his arrest.
