Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 13th district since 2017, posted a series of tweets on February 17, 2026, raising concerns about the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of administrative subpoenas to collect records from major companies.
In his first tweet at 20:25 UTC, Espaillat stated, “DHS is using administrative subpoenas to obtain thousands of YOUR records from major companies. These subpoenas are signed by DHS staff—not a judge—and are being used to target immigrants, advocates, and journalists. @RonWyden and I are introducing legislation to ensure https://t.co/ZlksbtCgP5”.
Shortly after, at 20:35 UTC, he reiterated the message in Spanish: “El DHS está utilizando citaciones administrativas para obtener miles de SUS registros de importantes empresas. Estas citaciones están firmadas por personal del DHS ―no por un juez―, y se están utilizando para atacar a inmigrantes, defensores de derechos humanos y periodistas.”
Later that evening at 21:55 UTC, Espaillat shifted focus to community engagement with a reminder for an upcoming event: “Don’t forget to RSVP for Sunday’s Black History Month celebration at Riverbank State Park! RSVP Here: https://t.co/Bx0mJUeK5b”.
Espaillat has been active in Congress since succeeding Charles Rangel in 2017 and previously served in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1954 and currently residing in Manhattan, Espaillat graduated from Queens College in 1978 with a BA.
