WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed Tuesday that the House is actively considering disciplinary action—including possible expulsion—against three Democrat lawmakers from New Jersey accused of violently storming a federal immigration facility and physically assaulting ICE agents.
The lawmakers in question—Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez—allegedly led an unauthorized and chaotic intrusion into the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey on Friday, resulting in what DHS officials have called a felony-level assault on federal officers.
Speaker Johnson: “Pretty Clear the Law Was Violated”
In a press conference Tuesday, Johnson outlined the disciplinary options on the table:
“There are three possible disciplinary actions the House can take,” Johnson said. “You can censure a member, remove them from committees, or in extreme cases, expel them from Congress. Expulsion requires a two-thirds vote, but we are reviewing what is most appropriate given the facts. It’s pretty clear the law was violated.”
ICE Bodycam Footage Reveals Chaos
Leaked bodycam footage from ICE agents confirmed Rep. LaMonica McIver (seen in a red jacket) verbally threatened and physically assaulted personnel during the confrontation. In the video, McIver can be heard shouting:
“I touch whoever I want, motherf*cker!”
A female ICE agent was reportedly bodyslammed by one of the lawmakers, according to a statement from a DHS spokeswoman, who condemned the “brazen, unlawful, and dangerous behavior” of the elected officials.
Federal Investigation Launched
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, serving the District of New Jersey, has confirmed her office has launched a federal investigation into the incident, noting the seriousness of the charges and the abuse of power by the lawmakers.
“No one is above the law—not even members of Congress,” Habba said. “We are treating this as an active criminal matter.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem added on Tuesday:
“These actions weren’t just disruptive—they were felonious. Federal agents were assaulted by individuals who took an oath to uphold the law. That cannot stand.”
Political Fallout Growing
This unprecedented event has already ignited bipartisan concern and public outrage, especially given the setting—a secure federal immigration facility—and the clear evidence of physical aggression against law enforcement.
Many Republicans are calling for immediate expulsion, arguing that no elected official should remain in office after engaging in violence against federal officers.
Speaker Johnson’s decision to keep expulsion on the table underscores the gravity of the incident. With a two-thirds vote required for removal, Democrats will now face a test: defend their radical members or uphold the rule of law.
Bottom Line: Lawmakers Under Criminal Scrutiny
This scandal isn’t just a political spectacle—it’s a criminal investigation with serious implications. If the charges are substantiated, McIver, Watson Coleman, and Menendez could not only lose their committee assignments—they could be removed from Congress and face prison time.
Accountability is coming. And this time, it may land on the very lawmakers who thought they were untouchable.