Rep. Jerry Nadler told a House Judiciary Committee hearing that someone who reasonably believed they were being attacked or kidnapped by a masked assailant could be "justified" in using lethal force. He used the comment to criticize President Donald Trump's immigration-enforcement tactics, which he described as contributing to "fascism in our streets." Nadler cited recent killings in Minneapolis and alleged heavy-handed ICE raids as part of his broader argument, while the administration has since reshuffled immigration leadership in Minnesota.
Nadler Says Shooting Masked Attackers Could Be 'Justified,' Criticizes Trump's ICE Tactics
New York, USA, June 30, 2024 - Senator Jerry Nadler and Thousands of people marched in the New York City Pride Parade. Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) told a House Judiciary Committee hearing that a person who reasonably believed they were being assaulted or kidnapped by a masked attacker could be "justified" in using lethal force in self-defense — even if the attacker turned out to be an enforcement agent. Nadler used the remark to condemn what he described as aggressive immigration-enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
"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," Nadler told the committee during testimony on Tuesday.
Context and Allegations
Nadler tied his comments to a broader critique of the Trump administration's immigration policies, saying the crackdown has helped foster what he called "fascism in our streets." He pointed to recent high-profile killings and alleged heavy-handed ICE operations as examples of the problem.
"We see people being shot, for what? For driving a car?" Nadler asked, questioning reported use-of-force incidents tied to immigration enforcement.
He also recounted allegations that agents have conducted warrantless home entries and detailed an incident in which a man described as an American citizen was allegedly pulled from his home, left in his underwear, and forced to stand in the snow without being allowed to dress.
Aftermath and Political Response
Nadler’s remarks followed the recent shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, events that prompted anti-ICE demonstrations in Minnesota and elsewhere and renewed calls from some Democrats to abolish ICE. In the wake of those shootings, the administration reorganized immigration leadership in Minnesota: Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino left the state and was replaced by former immigration official Tom Homan, who has been referred to as a "border czar."
When reporters asked whether the president was scaling back immigration raids, President Donald Trump dismissed that idea: "No, no, not at all," he said last week.
Legal and Political Implications
Nadler’s comments emphasize the tension between civil liberties and immigration enforcement in recent public debate. While he framed the shooting remark as an observation about reasonable self-defense in the face of an apparent threat, critics and supporters are likely to dispute the characterization of enforcement tactics and the political conclusions Nadler drew from the incidents he cited.
Note: This article reports statements made during a congressional hearing and public responses. It does not make legal determinations about the use of force or the specific incidents referenced.
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