New York — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer working at the New York immigration courts has been placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced online showing him shoving a woman against a wall and to the ground, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Friday.
The incident, which occurred at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, quickly went viral, intensifying already strained tensions between federal agents and the public inside immigration courthouses.
DHS Calls Conduct “Unacceptable”
“The officer’s conduct in this video is unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “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 DHS, the officer’s actions are under internal review, and he will remain off duty until the inquiry concludes.
Officer Linked to Prior Incident
The man in the video appears to be the same officer involved in another controversial confrontation last month. That incident, witnessed by NPR and captured on audio, involved the officer allegedly arresting a court observer — an immigrant advocate — at the same federal courthouse.
As NPR reporters and the observer entered a hallway in August, the officer was overheard yelling: “Stop f****** following me! Why are you f****** following me?” before repeating the outburst at the observer. Moments later, more shouting was heard, including the observer saying: “Don’t f****** touch me. Why are you pushing me? Why are you shoving me? I am not following you!”
Rising Tensions Inside Immigration Courts
Immigration courts, which are operated by the Department of Justice, have increasingly become flashpoints of confrontation as ICE expands its presence inside courthouses. Over the past five months, ICE has stepped up enforcement at 290 Broadway and other New York facilities, leading to confusion, clashes, and heightened anger among immigrant advocates and families.
Critics argue that the presence of armed federal officers in courtrooms creates an atmosphere of intimidation and deters immigrants from attending hearings. Supporters of ICE’s strategy insist that courthouses are legitimate enforcement zones.
Growing Scrutiny
Friday’s suspension underscores broader concerns about accountability and the role of federal law enforcement inside immigration courts. Advocates have called for stricter oversight and limits on ICE’s courthouse operations, warning that unchecked authority could further erode trust in the immigration system.
The DHS investigation into the officer’s conduct is ongoing.
