Activist Faces Charges for Confrontation with ICE Agents at Detention Facility
About the People Mentioned
LaMonica McIver
LaMonica McIver is an American politician and community leader currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, a position she has held since a special election in September 2024. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, McIver became politically active at age 13, emphasizing civic engagement among youth. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bloomfield College and a master's degree in educational leadership and policy from Seton Hall University. Before her congressional career, she worked in human resources roles within New Jersey public schools. In 2012, McIver founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young women leaders. Her political career advanced significantly when, in 2018, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council. During her tenure, she focused on environmental and social issues, notably leading efforts to replace 18,000 lead water lines, promote clean water and climate initiatives, increase affordable housing, and enhance educational opportunities in Newark. As a U.S. Representative, McIver prioritizes environmental justice, sustainability, and public health, continuing the legacy of her predecessor, the late Representative Donald M. Payne Jr., who was known for his strong environmental record. She advocates for investments in renewable energy, green technologies, and policies ensuring clean air and water for all communities. Her legislative activity includes co-sponsoring bills related to maternal health equity and renter protections. McIver’s work reflects a commitment to advancing policy that benefits her constituents through public safety, economic development, and environmental sustainability, maintaining an active role in Congress since 2024[1][3].
Alina Habba
Alina Saad Habba, born on March 25, 1984, in Summit, New Jersey, is an Iraqi-American lawyer who has made significant strides in the legal world. She is currently the managing partner of Habba, Madaio & Associates LLP, a role she assumed after establishing her own firm in 2020[1][3]. Before pursuing law, Habba worked in the fashion industry, notably at Marc Jacobs, which showcases her diverse career path[1]. Habba earned her Juris Doctor degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2010. Following her graduation, she clerked for New Jersey Superior Court Judge Eugene Codey Jr., gaining valuable experience in the legal system[1][2]. Her career has been marked by work in prestigious law firms and her role as a law clerk, which laid the foundation for her future success[2]. In 2021, Habba became a legal spokesperson for former U.S. President Donald Trump, handling high-profile cases such as Trump's lawsuit against the New York Times and his niece, Mary Trump[1][3]. Her involvement in these cases has drawn significant public attention and highlighted her legal expertise. As of recent events, Alina Habba has been named the Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General for the District of New Jersey, overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters in New Jersey[4]. Additionally, in December 2024, Trump appointed her as his counselor to the president[3]. These roles underscore her influence and role in the legal and political landscape. Throughout her career, Habba has demonstrated resilience and legal acumen, making her a notable figure in both the legal community and the public eye. Her journey from fashion to law and her rise to prominence in high-profile legal cases have been significant aspects of her professional trajectory.
About the Organizations Mentioned
DOJ
## Overview The **United States Department of Justice (DOJ)** is a federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws, ensuring public safety, and upholding civil rights across the United States[1][3][4]. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the DOJ operates under the leadership of the U.S. Attorney General, a presidential appointee who reports directly to the President and serves on the Cabinet[4]. The department comprises more than 40 component organizations and over 115,000 employees, with field offices in every U.S. state and territory, as well as in more than 50 countries worldwide[1][4]. ## What the DOJ Does The DOJ’s core mission is to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights[1][5]. Its work is organized into three co-equal priorities: law enforcement, litigation, and grantmaking[5]. The department oversees major federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons[2][4]. These agencies investigate and prosecute federal crimes, apprehend fugitives, manage federal prisons, and combat terrorism and organized crime[2][6]. The DOJ also includes litigating divisions that enforce federal criminal and civil laws—covering areas such as antitrust, tax, civil rights, environment, and national security—and represents the U.S. government in court through the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices[2][4]. Additionally, the DOJ administers grant programs to support state, tribal, and local justice initiatives[2]. ## History The DOJ was formally established by Congress in 1870, during the Ulysses S. Grant administration, to centralize federal legal functions that had previously been dispersed across various departments[4][9
ICE
**Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), established in 2003 following the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which reorganized existing agencies post-9/11 to enhance national security[1][2]. ICE’s core mission is to protect the United States by enforcing immigration laws, conducting criminal investigations, and preserving public safety. ICE operates primarily through two major divisions: **Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)** and **Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)**. HSI focuses on investigating and disrupting transnational criminal organizations involved in customs violations, human trafficking, terrorism, and smuggling. ERO is responsible for the apprehension, detention, and deportation of individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., operating detention facilities and managing removal procedures[2]. ICE’s international reach is managed by the Office of International Affairs (OIA), a key overseas investigative arm coordinating with foreign governments to combat cross-border crime, such as arms smuggling, forced labor, and immigration fraud. OIA supports intelligence gathering, training, treaty implementation, and facilitates global cooperation to preempt threats before they reach U.S. borders[3]. With a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees across more than 400 offices worldwide and an annual budget of about $8 billion, ICE plays a pivotal role in U.S. homeland security[1]. Its activities, especially those involving immigration enforcement and detention, have made it a highly visible and sometimes controversial agency in public discourse, often referred to colloquially in Spanish as "la migra"[2]. Notable achievements include disrupting large-scale criminal networks internationally and supporting the enforcement of over 400 federal statutes concerning customs, immigration, and terrorism prevention. ICE’s dynamic operational scope—spanning law enforcement, international diplomacy, and legal administration—makes it a critical component of U.S. efforts to maintain national security and uphold the rule of law[1][2][