Last night, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver joined fellow lawmakers and legal experts to advocate against the confirmation of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General. McIver’s participation was notable in light of Blanche’s involvement in the still-pending case against the congresswoman (publicly available body-worn camera footage reveals Blanche personally ordered the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at Delaney Hall detention center.) 

“If the leadership of Trump’s DOJ combined with ICE can manufacture chaos, like what happened when armed ICE agents were sent into a crowd at Delaney Hall, and then prosecute elected officials, like they are doing to me now, the implications extend far beyond this case," said McIver. “The Department of Justice is targeting political opponents. And with Todd Blanche in a position of power, those abuses will only continue.”

The event, hosted by the Not Above The Law Coalition, broke down Blanche’s abuse of power as Deputy Attorney General, his recent Senate confirmation hearings, and why his confirmation would be a breaking point for the rule of law. Blanche has retained oversight of the Trump administration's prosecution of McIver. The charges against her carry a potential sentence of 17 years in prison. McIver has drawn on her experience being targeted as she advocates for democratic protections. She responded to the 2026 State of the Union on behalf of Democracy Defenders Action. 

McIver’s remarks as prepared for the “Block Blanche” livestream can be read below. Watch the entire recorded event here.

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Last week, I attended Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

I felt like I needed to be there because a little over a year ago, I stood outside Delaney Hall where that same man—Todd Blanche—gave a direct order to arrest my mayor and my friend, Ras Baraka. 

The chaos that came from masked and armed ICE agents charging into a crowd of peaceful protesters is now at the center of the case the Trump DOJ has brought against me for daring to stand up. Because of their charges against me, I am facing 17 years in prison. 

It’s not normal and it’s not what happens in a democracy. 

What I am saying is this: what has unfolded for me since last May is unique in many ways, but it is not happening in a vacuum. And it is not just about me. It is not just about Democrats. It’s not just about immigrants. It is about all of us. 

If the leadership of Trump’s DOJ combined with ICE can manufacture chaos, like what happened when armed ICE agents were sent into a crowd at Delaney Hall, and then prosecute elected officials, like they are doing to me now, the implications extend far beyond this case. 

The Department of Justice is targeting political opponents. And with Todd Blanche in a position of power, those abuses will only continue.

Trump’s efforts to expand his own power and punish anyone who stands in his way is what an authoritarian does, not a president. 

While Todd Blanche spent much of last Wednesday making false claims, he did say one, undeniable truth. He said “I am Trump’s lawyer.” 

That is not the job. The Attorney General is the PEOPLE’s lawyer. Blanche will not serve the American people fairly and justly.

He will not protect civil rights and liberties.

He will only use his power to serve Trump and be his personal shield.

He will not check the power of ICE, allowing them to continue filling our communities with violence and chaos. 

He will assist in the Trump family’s unprecedented accumulation of power and wealth.

He will bend rules and ignore guidelines for as long as he has the power to do so.

The Justice Department exists to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law.

Without a leader poised and willing to do so, the department will crumble, becoming a tool used by kings for kings.

And let me remind you: in America, we have no kings.

Todd Blanche should not be confirmed to this position. The Senate must reject his nomination.