U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez, who has represented New York’s 7th district since 1993, shared a series of updates on her social media accounts this week addressing oversight concerns at MDC Brooklyn, community engagement in New York City, and the passing of Latin music pioneer Eddie Palmieri.
On August 6, Velázquez reported being denied entry to MDC Brooklyn alongside fellow Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman. In her post, she stated: “Today, @RepEspaillat, @RepDanGoldman, and I were locked out of MDC Brooklyn and denied our legal right to conduct oversight. This facility has a long record of abuse and is now detaining immigrants in secret. The Trump admin is blocking oversight of their lawless deportation” (August 6, 2025).
Later that day, Velázquez highlighted her participation in National Night Out events across her district. She wrote: “Last night, I joined neighbors, community leaders, and local precincts across NY-07 for National Night Out. From Brooklyn to Queens, we came together to celebrate community and commit to building safer, stronger neighborhoods for all.” (August 6, 2025).
On August 7, Velázquez paid tribute to Eddie Palmieri following his death. She posted: “Eddie Palmieri lived an incredible life. A proud Puerto Rican and true pioneer of Latin music, his sound shaped generations and put our culture on the map. New York, Puerto Rico and the world will miss him. Que descanse en paz.” (August 7, 2025).
Velázquez was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in 1953 and currently resides in Brooklyn.[1] She earned her BA from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras in 1974.[2]
