Rep. LaMonica McIver appeared in court to fight federal charges accusing her of obstructing ICE officers during a May visit to a Newark detention facility. Prosecutors allege she struck officers while intervening in the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was later released. McIver’s defense insists she was performing official congressional duties as part of an oversight visit.

Judge Jamel Semper voiced concern over misleading Department of Homeland Security posts suggesting lawmakers “stormed” the facility or were tied to Antifa, calling them potentially prejudicial. Prosecutors said the posts would be taken down. McIver’s attorneys claim the case is politically motivated and that she is being targeted because of her opposition to the Trump administration.

McIver maintains she acted lawfully and was caught in a confrontation she did not start. Facing up to 17 years in prison, she has vowed to continue fighting the charges and described the experience as a test of standing up for her constituents and her principles.