Rep. Jerry Nadler Blasts ‘Deeply Troubling’ DHS Handcuffing Of Staffer In New York Office

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security took a staffer into custody in Rep. Jerry Nadler’s New York office on Wednesday, as per a statement shared by the Democratic congressman on social media. The incident was also captured on video, which was obtained by Gothamist. In the video, a DHS agent can be seen handcuffing a distressed and crying staffer, while another agent attempts to enter a different room in the office, where another staff member is present. The staffer questions the agent about having a warrant, to which the agent responds that it is unnecessary and accuses the office of “harboring rioters.”

Nadler expressed concern about DHS’s actions, highlighting that no arrests were made and the situation was de-escalated quickly, but he found the incident disturbing. He emphasized that the decision to enter a Congressional office and detain a staff member showed a troubling disregard for legal boundaries.

In a statement regarding the incident, a senior DHS official mentioned that the Federal Protective Service responded to reports of protesters inside Rep. Nadler’s office and visited to ensure the safety of those present due to earlier incidents in a nearby facility. However, Nadler’s chief of staff disputed this account, calling it a lie.

The staffer who was handcuffed is reported to be traumatized, according to Nadler’s team. The incident occurred in the same building as an immigration court where DHS agents were detaining immigrants that day. Nadler’s office witnessed these confrontations and invited immigration advocates, which reportedly upset the DHS agents.

DHS agents’ action against Nadler’s staffer is part of a trend where federal law enforcement has targeted Democratic leaders. Previously, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a visit to a detention facility, and New Jersey’s federal prosecutor charged Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver with assault over her alleged actions during the same visit.

Nadler criticized the aggressive tactics used by DHS, stating that they are causing chaos in communities. The incident at his office reflects a larger issue of law enforcement overreach and the need for accountability in such situations.