A video showing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent physically confronting a woman in a Manhattan courthouse has ignited public outrage and calls for accountability. According to TMZ, the incident occurred on Thursday at a New York City courthouse.
The ICE agent, dressed in plain clothes with a badge around his neck, is seen speaking to a distressed woman who was pleading for her husband’s release from ICE custody. Throughout the encounter, he repeatedly says “adios” and, growing frustrated, grabs her—pushing her into a wall and later to the floor. The video captures her hitting her head, though it remains unclear if she sustained injuries.
There were at least a dozen people present, including photographers, and two young children were visibly distressed near their mother.
ICE responds to the incident
The agent reportedly instructed someone down the hallway to remove the woman, after which three court officers escorted her away while she continued to plead. TMZ reported that Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, described the officer’s actions as “unacceptable” and confirmed that he has been relieved of his current duties while a full investigation is underway.
McLaughlin stated, “The officer’s conduct in this video is unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE. Our ICE law enforcement are held to the highest professional standards and this officer is being relieved of current duties as we conduct a full investigation.”
According to The New York Times, the woman and her children had arrived from Ecuador last year. The video also shows agents pulling the hair of a young girl as authorities separated the family from the detained husband.
The incident took place at 26 Federal Plaza, a building that houses immigration courts and an ICE field office, which has become a frequent location for arrests of migrants attending routine hearings. The courthouse has witnessed hundreds of such detentions this year, some criticized as aggressive or potentially unlawful.
Local officials condemn the incident
City Comptroller Brad Lander described the agent’s actions as “violent,” noting that the woman “did not pose any threat” and required medical attention. Representative Dan Goldman said the woman and her children “fled to my office for safety” and called for disciplinary measures.
A protest organized by “New Yorkers Against ICE” later brought hundreds to Foley Square. Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani labeled the behavior “sickening.” Mayor Eric Adams, who has supported some federal immigration enforcement measures, recently urged the government to stop making arrests at city immigration courts.
FAQs
What happened at the NYC courthouse involving an ICE agent?
A video shows an ICE agent shoving a woman to the floor while her children watched, as she pleaded for her husband’s release.
How did ICE respond to the incident?
The Department of Homeland Security called the officer’s actions “unacceptable” and relieved him of duties pending investigation (TMZ).
What are the local reactions to the ICE courthouse confrontation?
City officials and protesters condemned the incident, describing it as violent and demanding accountability.
