In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided the New York office of Democratic Representative Jerrold Nadler and reportedly detained several staff members.
The raid happened on Sunday afternoon and has caused major confusion and outrage, especially among political observers and local leaders.
The incident took place at Nadler’s Lower Manhattan district office. ICE officers entered the building around 3 p.m. and were seen escorting multiple individuals out in handcuffs. Eyewitnesses said the scene looked chaotic, with officers moving quickly and without offering any clear explanation at the time.
A source familiar with the situation told the Daily Mail that the detained individuals were allegedly undocumented immigrants working under false identities. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by ICE or Nadler’s office.
Nadler, who represents New York’s 12th Congressional District and has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1992, is well known for his strong support for immigration reform and his opposition to aggressive deportation policies.
He has also chaired the House Judiciary Committee and has been a prominent critic of ICE’s past enforcement actions.
As news of the raid broke, Nadler’s office issued a short statement saying they were “gathering information” and would release further details after reviewing the situation.
The statement did not confirm the number of individuals taken into custody or whether the congressman was present at the time.
A spokesperson for ICE said the agency was conducting a “routine enforcement action” based on “credible evidence” involving immigration law violations. They declined to give names or comment on whether the office was specifically targeted or if it was part of a larger operation across multiple locations.
This incident has quickly drawn reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement praised ICE for “doing its job,” while critics called the raid a politically motivated act designed to intimidate and create fear.
Civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations have also responded. The New York Immigration Coalition called the action “deeply disturbing” and said it “shows the dangers of weaponizing immigration enforcement.” They demanded transparency and an immediate explanation from ICE.
Nadler has long advocated for protections for undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, and has pushed for legislation aimed at creating pathways to citizenship.
Some speculate that his high-profile stance may have played a role in ICE’s decision to carry out a raid at his office.
Several videos from outside the office have been posted on social media, showing people shouting at officers and asking why they were targeting a congressional office. One video shows a woman being restrained while screaming, “They work for the people!” Security had to block off parts of the street due to the growing crowd and tension.
The detained individuals are expected to be processed at a nearby ICE facility in New York, but officials haven’t said whether formal charges have been filed or when they might appear before an immigration judge.
This event is likely to intensify the debate over the role of ICE in domestic enforcement and its presence in politically sensitive spaces. Critics argue that going after a sitting lawmaker’s office sets a dangerous precedent, while defenders claim that no one is above the law, regardless of where they work.
It’s still unclear whether Nadler’s staff were aware of any issues related to the immigration status of the individuals now in custody.
If it turns out that staff members were hired without knowledge of their immigration status, it could raise broader questions about verification procedures and background checks used by government offices.
Nadler’s office has not indicated whether it will take legal action or request a formal review of the raid. Meanwhile, several other Democratic lawmakers have publicly supported Nadler, demanding a full investigation into the operation.
As the story develops, all eyes are on how ICE and the federal government will justify the raid, especially in such a high-profile location.