Newly released security footage reveals the moment a staff member from Representative Jerry Nadler’s office was handcuffed by Homeland Security officers, escalating tensions over federal enforcement tactics and sparking demands for a congressional investigation.
The video, provided by Nadler’s office, shows the blurred face of the staffer attempting to prevent the officers from entering a restricted room. One officer quickly moves her aside, restrains her, and places her in handcuffs.
Homeland Security claims the visit was part of a routine safety check for federal employees. But Nadler and his staff say the incident was politically motivated and entirely unjustified.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying officers were concerned about staff safety and that the staffer became “verbally confrontational” and physically blocked their access. The agency said the staffer was briefly detained in a hallway and later released without further incident.
Nadler, however, strongly disputes that account.
“DHS is lying,” he said Monday. “They were angry that my staff had observed them detaining immigrants outside the immigration court in our building. When observers were invited into our office, DHS barged in without a warrant.”
According to Nadler, one officer — described as “a very large man” — shoved his aide, a petite young woman, and accused her of pushing back. She was then handcuffed and taken downstairs, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
“This is a congressional office — a co-equal branch of government,” Nadler said. “They had no legal right to enter without a warrant. Their tactics were completely unacceptable.”
The incident has fueled growing criticism of ICE and DHS enforcement methods, particularly in New York City. On Monday, lawmakers and community members gathered in Foley Square to protest what they see as a pattern of federal overreach.
“No one is safe. A federal staffer was arrested — wake up,” said State Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes. “Now is the time to act.”
Two state bills, the New York for All Act and the Dignity Not Detention Act, aim to curb cooperation between local authorities and ICE. Both are scheduled for votes this week as the state legislative session nears its end.
“It’s outrageous that immigration agents would storm into a congressional office and handcuff a staffer,” said State Senator Julia Salazar. “We have the legal tools to protect undocumented and immigrant New Yorkers, and we must use them.”
As pressure mounts, Nadler is calling for a full congressional investigation into DHS’s conduct — one he says is crucial to defending the independence of legislative offices and the rights of all citizens.
