Shah J. Choudhury
Viral video shows officer shoving woman to the ground as her children watched
New York, Sept. 26, 2025 — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been suspended from duty after a video surfaced showing him violently shoving a woman during the detention of her husband at Manhattan’s 26 Federal Plaza immigration court. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an internal investigation.
The Confrontation
• The incident occurred in the courthouse hallway as ICE officers were detaining the woman’s husband.
• In the viral video, the woman can be heard pleading with the officer before he suddenly pushes her into a wall, knocking her to the ground.
• Her young children were present at the scene and are seen crying in distress.
• The woman was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
Official Response
• DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin described the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE,” confirming he has been relieved of current duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
• Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) revealed that the victim and her children fled to his office after the assault, urging the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges.
• NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, present at the courthouse, noted that ICE agents detained the man without presenting a warrant, calling the video “shocking.”
• The Mayor’s Office said it was “deeply concerned” and stressed that immigrants must feel safe accessing courts.
• Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also condemned the violence, saying it traumatized children and demanded accountability.
Wider Concerns
This case has reignited debate over ICE tactics and the use of force inside federal facilities. Critics argue that temporary suspensions are insufficient and call for structural reforms, accountability, and limits on courthouse arrests that instill fear in immigrant communities.
