Rep. Nydia Velázquez, a U.S. Congresswoman representing New York’s 7th district since 1993, recently posted several statements on social media addressing U.S. military action in the Caribbean, an incident involving ICE agents and a Puerto Rican councilmember in Chicago, and her opposition to the ongoing government shutdown.
On October 4, 2025, Velázquez criticized the Biden administration’s recent military intervention, writing: “The ‘No New Wars’ President has launched a war in the Caribbean without Congress’s consent. These unauthorized strikes are unconstitutional and risk reckless escalation.”
Later that day, she responded to reports from Chicago involving federal immigration enforcement: “This is outrageous. A Puerto Rican councilmember in Chicago was handcuffed and detained by ICE agents while merely questioning their actions at a health clinic. ICE must be held accountable for abuses of power and violations of people’s rights. We will not stay silent while our”
On October 6, Velázquez addressed congressional activity surrounding the government shutdown: “Last week, Democrats were in Washington—ready to do the people’s work. Republicans chose to leave town. Yesterday at City Hall, I hosted our leaders to speak out against the reckless Republican shutdown. We won’t accept a budget that strips health care or be intimidated by”
Velázquez was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in 1953 and currently resides in Brooklyn. She earned her BA from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras in 1974 and replaced Stephen Solarz as representative for New York’s 7th district over three decades ago.
