NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge presiding over the Trump administration's prosecution of U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver has mandated the removal of social media posts considered 'prejudicial' to the congresswoman. U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper held a pretrial hearing on Tuesday concerning the charges stemming from McIver's actions during a protest outside a New Jersey detention center on May 9. Semper indicated that nine posts from the Department of Homeland Security's social media account should be deleted, referring to their characterizations as 'not factual' and harmful to McIver’s legal standing. McIver, a Democrat representing Newark, faces serious charges, including assaulting immigration officials, following her visit to the Delaney Hall Detention Facility. In her defense, she argues that the government’s portrayals may hinder her right to a fair trial. Alongside this, the judge ordered that additional video footage be provided to McIver’s defense team, which they claimed had not been adequately shared. A prior indictment against her includes multiple counts which carry significant potential prison time, yet she has pleaded not guilty. Congress members are allowed oversight access to federal facilities, a right McIver's lawyers are citing in their efforts to have the case dismissed.
Federal Judge Orders Removal of Social Media Posts in McIver Case
A federal judge has instructed the government to take down social media posts deemed prejudicial in the ongoing case against U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver for allegedly assaulting immigration officers at a New Jersey detention center.
In a ruling by U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper, nine social media posts published by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the case against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver must be removed after being labeled as prejudicial. McIver, who was charged following a protest at a detention facility in Newark, claims the government's actions could jeopardize her right to a fair trial. The court will also review additional footage that has yet to be shared with her legal team.
