Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., sharply criticized the Trump administration and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over what he described as “intimidation tactics,” after a member of his congressional staff was briefly handcuffed and detained by federal officers inside his Manhattan office last week.
The incident occurred Wednesday when officers from the Federal Protective Service (FPS), a division of DHS, responded to reports of protesters inside Nadler’s district office, which is located in the same building as an immigration courthouse. At the time, demonstrations were taking place outside the courthouse.
A DHS spokesperson told Fox News that officers entered the office out of concern for the safety of federal employees, citing “earlier incidents” in the building.
“Officers identified themselves and explained their intent to conduct a security check,” the spokesperson said. “However, one individual became verbally confrontational and physically blocked access. That person was briefly detained in the hallway to complete the check. All individuals were released without further incident.”
In video footage circulated online, federal officers can be heard accusing Nadler’s staff of “harboring rioters.” A staff member can be heard crying while being handcuffed.
In a statement released Saturday, Nadler condemned the officers’ actions, saying DHS agents “forcefully” entered his office and detained his staffer without cause.
“President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security are sowing chaos in our communities, using intimidation tactics against both citizens and non-citizens in a reckless and dangerous manner,” Nadler said.
He expressed deep concern over the incident, calling it a violation of legal boundaries.
“The decision to enter a Congressional office and detain a staff member demonstrates a deeply troubling disregard for proper legal boundaries. If this can happen in a Member of Congress’s office, it can happen to anyone — and it is happening.”
Nadler also criticized the Trump administration’s expedited removal process, which allows DHS to deport undocumented immigrants without a court hearing. He argued that the policy undermines due process and disproportionately affects both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
“While no arrests were ultimately made and the situation was deescalated, I remain alarmed by the aggressive and heavy-handed tactics DHS is employing in New York City and across the country,” Nadler said.
