Rep. Jamie Raskin, MD, a prominent Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has initiated an investigation into the allegations against Rep. Lamonica McIver, DN.J., who also serves as the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. Raskin contends that these actions seem to breach Department of Justice policies.
McIver was charged last month following a confrontation with a Department of Homeland Security official outside immigration and customs enforcement facilities when he intervened in the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D).
Alina Habba, an attorney based in New Jersey and a former lawyer for President Trump, has accused McIver of assaulting law enforcement and alleged that he used his forearm to fend off her agents.
Habba’s office had previously sought to dismiss the trespassing charges initially filed against Baraka, securing a ruling from the judge citing “the obvious haste in this case, culminating in an embarrassing incident.”
“Ms. Habba’s extraordinary claims are a blatant effort to intimidate congressional members and hinder their constitutional responsibility to oversee. It seems that Ms. Habba has pursued these charges in contravention of established Department of Justice (DOJ) policies designed to avert this kind of politically motivated misuse,” Raskin stated.
Raskin posed a series of questions regarding the allegations against both McIver and Baraka.
This inquiry includes whether the Public Integrity Section of the DOJ was consulted.
“DOJ prosecutors must engage with the Public Integrity Section before launching an investigation into Congressional Members and obtain the section’s approval prior to filing charges. However, reports indicate that Habba may not have done this,” Raskin noted.
“These consultation requirements exist to safeguard against administrative bodies weaponizing federal law enforcement resources against perceived adversaries. They also highlight the necessity to ensure that DOJ investigations or prosecutions are not driven by fraudulent political motivations. The judicial manual mandates approval from the Public Integrity Section before proceeding with any case based on public competence challenges,” he added.
The Justice Department has indicated it is contemplating the removal of the requirement for prosecutors to consult the Public Integrity Section initially.
Raskin has requested clarification from the DOJ regarding whom Habba consulted prior to filing the charge, as well as inquiries into any coordination with Trump or White House staff regarding the allegations.
In response, McIver has denied the accusations, rejected the plea offer from Habba, and asserted, “I did not do it.”
“I was there to perform my duties and oversee operations. They expected me to provide a different narrative, but I will not comply. They don’t want my presence, so I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities,” McIver stated.
Source: thehill.com