Rep. Jerry Nadler sharply criticized the Trump administration and federal immigration enforcement during remarks on the House floor, warning that the United States is facing what he described as “fascism in our streets,” as outrage grows over the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Nadler’s comments came amid debate over a budget-related amendment, which he dismissed as a distraction from what he called far more serious threats to democracy and civil liberties. He argued that fiscal concerns could be addressed by reversing tax cuts for wealthy Americans, but said the country’s defining crisis is the conduct of federal authorities and the administration’s approach to elections.
Here is crazed lunatic @RepJerryNadler likening immigration enforcement to "attacks… by masked hoodlums":
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 3, 2026
"If you were attacked by a masked person, you might think you were being kidnapped. You'd be justified in shooting the person."
SICK!! pic.twitter.com/R6ln758XHE
“What is really the major problem in this country today is the fascism in our streets,” Nadler said, pointing to masked federal agents conducting enforcement operations. He said that attacks by unidentified, masked individuals could reasonably be perceived as kidnappings. “If you were attacked by a masked person, you might think you were being kidnapped. You would be justified in shooting the person to protect yourself,” he said, adding that people were now being shot “for what? For driving a car.”
Nadler accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents of abusing their authority, describing incidents in which agents allegedly entered homes without warrants and detained American citizens. He cited cases where individuals were dragged from their homes without being allowed to dress properly, characterizing the actions as lawless and intimidating.
His remarks followed the killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse, who was shot by federal immigration agents during a protest in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security said a Border Patrol agent fired in self-defense after Pretti approached officers with a handgun and resisted disarmament.
The shooting sparked large protests in Minneapolis and demonstrations in cities including New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. It also intensified tensions between state and federal officials, particularly after another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, was fatally shot by immigration agents earlier this month.
Nadler’s comments seeming to make shooting a federal agent seem justified has since sparked debate from every party on this seemingly hot take.
