Rep. Jerry Nadler demands probe after DHS handcuffs his aide
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Rep. Jerry Nadler speaks at a committee hearing with then-Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Nov. 20, 2024. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said Monday he will seek a congressional investigation after a Department of Homeland Security officer handcuffed one of his staffers at his office.
Why it matters: The incident — part of a series of confrontations with federal immigration authorities — has further escalated tensions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration.
What happened: DHS officers handcuffed one of Nadler's aides at his district office in New York City last Wednesday and demanded entry to the office, accusing them of "harboring rioters," video of the incident shows.
- Nadler said in a CNN interview that DHS was "upset that some of my staff members were watching them grab immigrants emerging from an immigration court in the same building" and "invited some of the observers up to my office."
- "They then came up to the office and demanded entrance. One of my staff members said, 'You can't come in here, you need a warrant.' They said, 'No, we don't need a warrant,' which is incorrect," Nadler added.
- The staffer was later released and no charges were filed.
The other side: A DHS spokesperson said the officers "responded to information that protesters were present" in the office and "went to the location to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those present."
- "Upon arrival, officers were granted entry and encountered four individuals. Officers identified themselves and explained their intent to conduct a security check, however, one individual became verbally confrontational and physically blocked access to the office."
- The officers detained the staffer "for the purpose of completing the security check," the spokesperson said.
Driving the news: Nadler said on CNN that he will send House Judiciary Committee chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) a letter requesting an investigation and hearing into the matter.
- He said he wants Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to have to testify about it.
- "The tactics were totally unacceptable," Nadler said, adding that the investigation's scope should be "generally of [immigration officials'] tactics, which are, frankly, very threatening to liberty."
- A spokesperson for Jordan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Zoom out: Democrats have been ramping up their oversight of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement facilities after Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) was charged with assaulting ICE officers last month.
- McIver and other Democrats have accused DHS of pursuing a flimsy prosecution in an attempt to intimidate lawmakers and discourage oversight.
- Just on Monday, Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) made an unannounced visit to the Dodge County Jail, an ICE facility in their state.
