A federal grand jury in New Jersey has just indicted U.S. Representative L. Monica MacIver on three new criminal charges following a shocking incident involving an alleged belly slam against an ICE agent. The indictment, returned today, escalates the previous accusations and could lead to a total of 17 years in prison if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Alina Abba announced the indictment, which includes two counts of forcibly impeding federal law enforcement officers and a third, undisclosed count. The charges stem from a chaotic scene during an immigration protest rally where MacIver, alongside other Congress members, allegedly obstructed the arrest of Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka. Eyewitness accounts describe MacIver using her body to shield the mayor from officers, leading to violent confrontations that reportedly left one agent with potential injuries.

The indictment reveals that during the tumultuous event, MacIver not only surrounded the mayor but also physically assaulted law enforcement personnel, allegedly striking one officer and using her forearms to impede another. The gravity of these actions has drawn significant attention, with Abba emphasizing the need to protect federal officers while executing their duties.

MacIver has publicly declared her intent to fight the charges, framing them as a politically motivated attack designed to intimidate her efforts on behalf of immigrant rights. She maintains her innocence and has stated that the facts will ultimately vindicate her.

As this high-stakes legal battle unfolds, the implications for MacIver’s political career and the broader context of law enforcement interactions during protests remain to be seen. The preliminary hearing previously scheduled has been canceled, signaling a pivotal moment in this unfolding drama. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story closely.