LaMonica McIver, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Henry Cuellar Face Serious Charges
There are now three Democratic members of Congress under federal indictment: LaMonica McIver (NJ) on charges related to assaulting federal agents, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL) for stealing $5 million in FEMA funds to finance her campaign, and Henry Cuellar (TX) for bribery.
Rep. LaMonica McIver was federally indicted on three criminal counts for allegedly assaulting and interfering with federal officers during a surprise visit to an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on May 9, 2025. McIver, joined by other politicians, attempted an unannounced oversight inspection, during which a confrontation allegedly escalated to McIver striking or pushing officers. She pled not guilty, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces accusations of stealing and laundering $5 million in FEMA disaster relief funds, which prosecutors allege were used to finance her 2021 congressional campaign. She faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted.
Representative Henry Cuellar is indicted on bribery charges involving alleged exchange of favors for political support.
Critics say that if the parties were reversed and Republicans controlled the House, all three Democrats would have been removed from committees, censured, and possibly expelled by now.
All three cases are ongoing and have triggered heightened political debate about accountability, partisanship, and congressional ethics.
The indictments highlight growing legal scrutiny of members of Congress amid a polarized political environment.
