US Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has been indicted for “forcibly impeding and interfering” with federal law enforcement over a recent confrontation outside an immigration centre.

A scuffle occurred during her visit to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centre in Newark, New Jersey, on 9 May.

The incident drew widespread attention, as it unfolded at a time when the Republican administration of US President Donald Trump has faced sharp criticism from opposing Democrats over its hard-line approach to immigration.

Ms McIver, who faces a maximum term of 17 years in prison, has called the charges a “brazen attempt at political intimidation” and says she will plead not guilty.

A federal grand jury in New Jersey brought the three-count indictment against Ms McIver on Tuesday. It replaces the two assault charges that she previously faced.

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