Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who has represented New York’s 7th District in the U.S. Congress since 1993, recently posted a series of statements on social media addressing concerns about democracy and federal intervention in local communities.
On September 2, Velázquez praised her colleague Rep. Jerry Nadler for his decades of service to New Yorkers, stating: “During his more than 30 years in Congress, my dear friend @RepJerryNadler has never stopped fighting for New Yorkers. From impeaching Trump, to defending reproductive rights, to protecting civil liberties after 9/11, Jerry always had the courage to do what’s right.”
The following day, Velázquez expressed concern over former President Donald Trump’s actions in Washington D.C., writing: “America is built on democracy, not military rule. Trump is using DC as a testing ground for his authoritarianism. This threatens our freedoms, fuels fear & undermines all we stand for. Our communities will not be terrorized by a wannabe dictator. Donald Trump, stay the hell” (September 3).
In another post later that day, she added: “Sending in troops to police our neighborhoods is an assault on our democracy. Communities deserve safety and dignity, not intimidation from a wannabe dictator. Our cities are not battlegrounds.” (September 3).
Velázquez’s comments come amid ongoing national debates regarding federal involvement in local law enforcement and democratic norms.
Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico in 1953 and currently residing in Brooklyn at age 70, Velázquez has been an advocate for her district since succeeding Stephen Solarz in Congress over three decades ago. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras with a BA in 1974.
