Federal officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security detained a staffer in Rep. Jerry Nadler’s (D-NY) Manhattan office on Wednesday, accusing the office of obstructing federal operations during a security sweep linked to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The incident unfolded when Department of Homeland Security officers entered Nadler’s district office, reportedly seeking to perform a security check based on information suggesting protesters had entered the premises.
The officers handcuffed one staff member, prompting confusion and visible distress among others in the office.
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A video of the confrontation, reviewed by the Gothamist, shows a visibly upset aide being restrained as other staff questioned the officers’ actions.
During the video, one person says, “No, she did not. That is not what happened,” as officers state the aide “pushed him back.”
The officers are also heard telling the staffer to “stop resisting” while continuing the detainment.
🚨BREAKING: ICE and DHS raided Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler’s office following accusations that he helped and harbored rioters. pic.twitter.com/Su1aqfbbsQ
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 1, 2025
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The Department of Homeland Security later issued a statement indicating that the woman was not arrested or charged.
The department said the aide had “verbally confrontational” behavior and had physically blocked federal officers from entering to perform the security check.
“Based on earlier incidents in a nearby facility, FPS officers were concerned about the safety of the federal employees in the office and went to the location to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those present,” DHS said in its statement to the New York Post.
The confrontation occurred as demonstrators had gathered outside the federal building to protest ICE operations.
According to Nadler’s office, advocates monitoring ICE activity had been threatened with arrest by ICE officers earlier in the day.
The aides reportedly invited those individuals into the office shortly before DHS arrived.
The Gothamist reported that the security sweep and confrontation were resolved without charges against the staffer.
Later, the New York Police Department confirmed that officers made several arrests outside the federal building during the protest.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, eighteen individuals were issued criminal summonses, and five others were arrested and charged after allegedly attempting to block ICE transportation vans from leaving the building.
In a statement released Saturday, Nadler blamed President Donald Trump and DHS for the incident, accusing the administration of escalating tensions and targeting civilians.
“If this can happen in a Member of Congress’s office, it can happen to anyone – and it is happening,” Nadler wrote.
He called on President Trump and DHS officials to end what he described as “dangerous tactics” and to cease the use of expedited removal procedures in immigration enforcement.
Nadler also stated, “These intimidation tactics against both citizens and non-citizens in a reckless and dangerous manner” were undermining due process.
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) May 31, 2025
The confrontation comes as the Trump administration continues its intensified focus on enforcing immigration laws, including targeting individuals with outstanding removal orders and addressing protests that disrupt federal operations.
ICE and DHS have repeatedly emphasized concerns about safety and access for officers working in federal facilities amid organized disruptions.
Nadler, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, previously supported federal law enforcement actions that targeted political opponents.
In August 2022, when informed of the FBI’s raid on President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, Nadler responded, “Good!” according to reporting from Breitbart News.
At that time, the raid drew widespread criticism from conservatives who called it a politically motivated abuse of federal power.
Nadler’s response was seen by some as part of a broader trend among Democrats supporting aggressive federal law enforcement only when it targets figures on the political right.
As Wednesday’s incident continues to draw attention, DHS has reiterated that its actions were intended to ensure federal employee safety during a time of elevated protest activity.
Nadler’s office has not clarified whether it intends to pursue further legal or procedural action in response to the detainment of the staffer.
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