In brief
U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper ordered the removal of nine social media posts from the Department of Homeland Security that he found prejudicial to Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. McIver is charged with assaulting immigration officers during a May 9 visit to a detention center in Newark. Her legal team argues that such posts could affect her chances for a fair trial. The judge also directed the government to provide additional video evidence to McIver's defense. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from her actions during the visit.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge overseeing the Trump administration’s prosecution of U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver on charges she assaulted and impeded immigration officers outside a New Jersey detention center told the government to remove social media posts he called 'prejudicial' to the congresswoman.
U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper on Tuesday heard pretrial arguments in the case brought by Republican President Donald Trump’s U.S. Justice Department against the Democratic congresswoman representing Newark, the state’s biggest city. Semper didn’t issue a ruling from the bench but told the government’s attorneys nine social media posts should be removed.
The posts, which came from the Department of Homeland Security’s X account as well as the account for one of its spokespeople, referred to the May 9 visit by McIver and other members of Congress as 'a reckless stunt by sanctuary politicians' and said the visit was not about oversight, a key point from the congresswoman and the other lawmakers who accompanied her to Newark’s Delaney Hall Detention Facility in May.
'It’s not factual,' Semper said. 'The prejudicial nature of it is self-evident.'
A message seeking a response from Homeland Security was sent Tuesday. McIver’s attorneys have argued the department’s posts could imperil her chances for a fair trial.
Additionally, the judge instructed the government to turn over extra video footage to McIver's attorneys after they claimed not to have received certain materials. He is also set to review their motion to dismiss the case, citing Congress members' rights to governmental oversight.
McIver, who was indicted on three counts related to the incident, has maintained her innocence and expressed that the judicial process has not hindered her congressional duties.
