An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been placed on leave following a disturbing incident captured on video, showing the officer forcefully pushing a woman to the ground at a New York immigration court. This footage, widely circulated on social media, depicts the woman approaching the officer while visibly upset. As the exchange unfolds, the officer is seen repeatedly saying “adios” before abruptly grabbing her, pushing her backwards, and ultimately knocking her to the floor.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) swiftly responded, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemning the officer’s actions as “unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE.” She further affirmed that ICE personnel are expected to adhere to the highest professional standards, and announced that the officer has been relieved of his duties pending a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Additional footage from another angle reveals the tense encounter, where the woman, speaking in Spanish, is heard shouting “take me, take me!” The officer then forcefully escorts her down the hallway and into a wall, subsequently shoving her to the ground. He stands over her, commanding her to “leave” in Spanish and instructs nearby officers to remove her from the premises.
The incident reportedly occurred after federal agents attempted to detain the woman’s husband, while she and her daughter clung to him in an effort to prevent his arrest. The woman, who hails from Ecuador, spoke to reporters, shedding light on the distressing circumstances faced by her family.
This incident arises amidst heightened efforts by ICE officers to detain immigrants awaiting hearings in federal courthouses, a practice that has intensified as part of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In New York City courthouses alone, hundreds of immigrants have reportedly been arrested.
Dan Goldman, a Democratic congressman representing the district where the courthouse is located, expressed his concern over the incident, stating that the woman and her children sought refuge in his office following the assault. He emphasized the need for DHS to take appropriate disciplinary measures and implement safeguards to prevent future occurrences of such behavior.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions and challenges faced by immigrant families in the United States, prompting calls for accountability and reform within enforcement practices to better protect individuals and uphold human dignity. As the investigation continues, many are hopeful that appropriate steps will be taken to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.