Nydia Velázquez, a long-serving member of the U.S. Congress representing New York’s 7th district since 1993, has recently voiced her concerns on social media regarding immigration enforcement and political actions by the Trump administration. Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Velázquez has been an advocate for transparency and accountability in government operations.
On June 12, 2025, Velázquez addressed the issue of ICE agents concealing their identities during operations. She stated that “ICE agents hiding their faces and badges spreads fear and eliminates accountability for abuse.” In response to these practices, she introduced the No Masks for ICE Act to ensure transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement.
Later that day, Velázquez commented on an incident involving Senator Alex Padilla. She tweeted that “.@SenAlexPadilla was manhandled and detained for attending a public DHS press conference.” She described this as “authoritarian behavior” by the Trump administration aimed at silencing dissenters and called for a full investigation into the matter.
In another tweet posted on June 12, 2025, Velázquez recounted her visit with the Hispanic Caucus to congressional leadership offices. She asserted that “this isn’t a dictatorship,” emphasizing her support for Senator Padilla’s right to speak out in defense of immigrants. She urged congressional leaders to uphold these rights.
Nydia Velázquez holds a BA from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, obtained in 1974. At age 70, she continues to reside in Brooklyn while actively participating in legislative processes.
