Federal agents caused a stir in Manhattan on Wednesday when they handcuffed an aide to Congressman Jerry Nadler. The incident unfolded in Nadler’s office, leading to a heated exchange between the congressman and the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS officers arrived at the office with concerns that staff members were “harboring rioters.” According to reports, when they entered, they handcuffed one aide who was accused of blocking access to the office during a security check. A video of the event shows the aide appearing distressed while officers insisted she was being confrontational.
Witnesses noted that the situation escalated quickly. One staff member asked to see a warrant, highlighting the confusion and tension in the room. DHS later stated that the aide had physically obstructed their officers as they tried to conduct a security check due to protests nearby.
Nadler’s office has not commented on the specifics leading up to the incident, but it appears that the confrontation was linked to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that took place outside the building. Following the incident, several protesters were arrested for blocking traffic, as they attempted to prevent ICE vans from leaving the area.
In the aftermath, Nadler expressed his outrage, blaming President Trump and DHS for creating chaos and intimidation. He stated that if such actions could happen in a congressional office, they could happen to anyone. He called for an end to what he described as dangerous tactics used by DHS, particularly regarding the expedited removal process that he argues denies due process to immigrants and citizens.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the actions of federal agencies under the Trump administration, which has been criticized for its aggressive stance on deportations. Nadler’s comments reflect broader concerns about the impact of these policies on communities and individuals.