Democratic Congresswoman Accused of Assaulting ICE Agents Faces 17 Years in Prison and Announces Pregnancy

LaMonica McIver announces pregnancy amid legal crisis

Accused in immigration agent incident

Faces possible 17-year sentence

LaMonica McIver is going through one of the most difficult moments of her personal and political life.

The Democratic lawmaker revealed to People that she is pregnant with her second child while facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting immigration agents.

McIver and her husband are already parents to a nine-year-old daughter, according to Infobae.

LaMonica McIver faces federal charges

Convict Rep. LaMonica Mclver!! pic.twitter.com/Z4kxDtxl7Y

— Texas (@MustangMan_TX) June 25, 2025

According to LaMonica McIver, she had been trying for a long time to become pregnant again, even before winning the special congressional election in New Jersey in 2024.

The congresswoman is currently 17 weeks pregnant.

Why it matters: The case places McIver at the center of a legal battle that could carry major political and personal consequences while she experiences a high-stress pregnancy.

LaMonica McIver’s pregnancy unfolds during legal battle

Democrat Rep. LaMonica Mclver says she has “sleepless nights” over the possibility of spending the next 17-years in prison for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers at an ICE facility.

The Democrat from New Jersey was charged back in may over an incident at the Delaney… pic.twitter.com/D6Bo4Dytam

— Christina Aguayo (@ChristinaNewstv) October 24, 2025

The congresswoman was charged last June by the United States Department of Justice under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Authorities accuse her of “forcefully striking” an immigration agent.

She was also accused of attempting to restrain another officer.

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The incident allegedly occurred outside the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark.

According to authorities, agents were attempting to handcuff Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Officials claim Baraka was not authorized to remain at the facility.

LaMonica McIver continues maintaining her innocence.

The Democrat could face up to 17 years in prison if convicted.

The case has drawn national attention because of the confrontation between Democratic officials and federal immigration authorities.

Congresswoman seeks dismissal of the case

LaMonica McIver’s defense team argues that her presence at the detention center was constitutionally protected.

The lawmaker maintains that she was acting within her official duties as a member of Congress.

Her attorneys cited the constitutional Speech or Debate Clause.

That protection is designed to shield members of Congress from criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits related to legislative functions.

However, last November, a federal judge denied the request to dismiss the charges against LaMonica McIver.

Following that decision, McIver filed an appeal.

The legal process remains ongoing while the congresswoman continues serving in office.

The case has also created significant financial pressure.

According to a recent article published by The New York Times, her legal defense costs are expected to exceed $1 million.

In addition, House ethics rules prohibit her from accepting free legal representation.

Pregnancy unfolds amid stress and pressure

LaMonica McIver acknowledged that the legal battle has complicated this stage of her pregnancy.

The congresswoman discussed both the emotional and physical strain she is facing.

“Stress is a real issue for pregnant women, especially Black women facing the maternal health crisis we are living through in this country,” she told People.

The lawmaker also admitted she is trying to manage the pressure caused by the case.

“I don’t want to stress myself, even though I know I have to deal with the situation surrounding this case,” she stated.

The pregnancy comes after years of trying to expand her family.

McIver had been hoping to have another child even before beginning her congressional career.

Now she simultaneously faces a legal battle, major legal expenses, and the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy.