Confrontation at New York Immigration Court: Journalists Injured by ICE Agents

On September 30, 2025, a chaotic confrontation occurred at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly assaulted multiple journalists while attempting to arrest an undocumented immigrant. The incident left L. Vural Elibol, a photojournalist for the Anadolu Agency, hospitalized after hitting his head on the floor. Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the moment when Dean Moses, a reporter for amNewYork, was forcibly removed from an elevator by masked agents, followed by the shoving of freelance photographer Olga Fedorova.

NewsweekNew York Daily NewsAM New YorkCNNAM New YorkNew York Times

The incident unfolded around 10:15 a.m. when Moses entered an elevator to document the arrest of an immigrant. As he attempted to photograph the agents, he was aggressively pushed out. Fedorova, positioned outside the elevator, was also shoved to the ground, leading to Elibol falling and sustaining serious injuries. Emergency medical services responded, placing Elibol in a neck brace before transporting him to a local hospital.

AM New York

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that ICE agents were "swarmed by agitators and members of the press," which obstructed their operations. She emphasized the heightened concerns for officer safety following a recent shooting incident at an ICE facility in Dallas. However, journalists present disputed this characterization, asserting that there were no agitators obstructing the agents.

New York Times

The incident drew swift condemnation from various political figures and organizations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the actions of ICE agents, stating, “This abuse of law-abiding immigrants and the reporters telling their stories must end.” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Comptroller Brad Lander echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident an attack on the First Amendment and demanding accountability for the agents involved. Lander noted that this was not an isolated incident, referencing a previous episode where an ICE officer was filmed shoving a woman pleading for her detained husband.

Newsweek

This confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between ICE and the press, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Critics argue that the aggressive tactics employed by ICE agents reflect a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against both immigrants and journalists. The incident has prompted calls for legislative action, including the introduction of the "No Secret Police Act," aimed at prohibiting federal agents from concealing their identities during enforcement actions.

AM New York

The New York Immigration Coalition has called for the removal of ICE agents from immigration courts, emphasizing the need for due process and justice in these settings. As investigations into the incident continue, the broader implications for press freedom and immigration enforcement remain a focal point of public discourse.

CNN

• “This abuse of law-abiding immigrants and the reporters telling their stories must end.” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “Another violent attack by an ICE officer on a civilian at 26 Federal Plaza—this time on a journalist, who had to be carried out on stretcher,” — Brad Lander, City Comptroller

AM New York

• “We cannot accept or normalize what has now become routine violence at 26 Federal Plaza.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayoral Candidate

AM New York

• “The federal government’s cruelty was seen again today, after ICE agents brutally attacked several members of the press,” — Jumaane Williams, Public Advocate

AM New York