In a dramatic legal development at the crossroads of law, politics, and immigration policy, Alina Habba, Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, has filed federal assault charges against Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (D-NJ). The high-profile case, stemming from a confrontation at a Newark ICE detention center, is quickly becoming a political flashpoint with national implications.
Who Is Alina Habba?
Alina Saad Habba, born on March 25, 1984, is an Iraqi-American lawyer known for her close ties to Donald Trump. After earning her Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010, Habba worked at a small law firm in New Jersey, not far from Trump’s Bedminster golf club.
Her legal career skyrocketed when she began representing Trump in high-profile cases, including civil fraud and sexual misconduct allegations. Known for her combative courtroom style and vocal defense of Trump, Habba became a recognizable figure in conservative legal circles.
In December 2024, she was appointed as a Counselor to the President in Trump’s second administration. By March 24, 2025, Trump named her the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, a key federal law enforcement post. She was sworn in four days later.
Assault Charges Against Rep. LaMonica McIver
On May 19, 2025, Habba announced that Rep. LaMonica McIver had been charged under Title 18 U.S. Code Section 111(a)(1)—the same statute used to prosecute many participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. The charge accuses McIver of assaulting, impeding, and interfering with federal officers during a visit to Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
The Incident: A May 9 Visit Turns Chaotic
The confrontation occurred on May 9, 2025, when Rep. McIver, along with Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman, arrived at Delaney Hall to perform congressional oversight. Their visit, reportedly coordinated to inspect conditions within the ICE facility, escalated rapidly.
During the visit, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka—also a gubernatorial candidate—was arrested for trespassing. Tensions heightened when ICE agents allegedly had physical altercations with McIver and Watson Coleman. McIver told reporters afterward, “We were assaulted by multiple ICE agents.”
Despite this, Habba’s office charged McIver and dropped the trespassing charges against Baraka, citing a desire to “move forward.”
Political Reactions and Controversy
The charges have ignited fierce political backlash. Rep. McIver called the indictment ‘purely political,’ asserting that she was targeted for doing her job. Her attorney, Paul Fishman, described the case as “spectacularly inappropriate.”
“She went to Delaney Hall to do her job. Rather than facilitating congressional oversight, ICE agents escalated the situation. This prosecution seeks to deflect attention from their misconduct,” said Fishman.
Democratic Leaders Condemn the Charges
Top House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, released a blistering joint statement:
“These charges are morally bankrupt, legally baseless, and represent a blatant attempt to intimidate members of Congress who hold the executive branch accountable.”
They warned of an aggressive response in the coming days.
Trump Officials Defend the Indictment
Conversely, senior officials in the Trump administration have rallied behind Habba. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that “assaults on federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that “a thorough investigation and review of surveillance footage supported the charges.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized: “No one, not even members of Congress, is above the law.”
Broader Concerns Over Politicized Justice
This case is raising serious concerns about the potential politicization of the Department of Justice under the Trump administration. Critics argue that Habba’s appointment and actions reflect a pattern of targeting political opponents:
Investigations into Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, both of whom disputed Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims.
A criminal probe into New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led multiple legal battles against Trump.
Given Habba’s prior role as Trump’s personal attorney, legal experts are questioning the conflict of interest and credibility of federal prosecutions led by her office.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Speaks Out
Mayor Ras Baraka, whose charges were dropped, expressed firm support for McIver:
“Congresswoman McIver is a daughter of Newark and a personal friend. I stand with LaMonica and expect her to be vindicated.”
What Happens Next?
As the legal case unfolds, it could significantly impact:
Congressional oversight authority
ICE detention facility transparency
Federal law enforcement accountability
The role of the DOJ under politically charged leadership
Democratic lawmakers have vowed to respond decisively, signaling that this is far more than a legal matter—it’s a national political battle over civil liberties, immigration enforcement, and the separation of powers.
Conclusion: A Legal Case with National Consequences
The indictment of Rep. LaMonica McIver by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba is more than a legal controversy—it’s a defining moment in the struggle over the future of American democracy, justice, and political accountability.
