WASHINGTON – Donald Trump’s Department of Justice has charged New Jersey congresswoman LaMonica McIver with assaulting federal agents over her contentious visit to an immigration detention center in her state.
In response, Public Citizen co-president Lisa Gilbert issued the following statement:
“The decision to charge Congresswoman McIver is outrageous. Her visit to Delaney Hall was for statutorily and constitutionally protected oversight. As a member of Congress, she has a duty to understand how ICE is treating detainees. Oversight by Congress is a key tool to hold the executive branch accountable and ensure it is following the law. Instead of facilitating her role, ICE impeded Mclver’s attempt to perform her responsibility.
“This prosecution is an attempt to shift the blame for ICE’s odious behavior to Congresswoman McIver. All of Congress, regardless of party, should be reacting with indignation at this spectacular affront to their prerogatives.”
This article was originally published on Common Dreams and republished here, with permission, under a Creative Commons license. Learn more about third-party content on ZanyProgressive.com.
