World Press Photo of the Year 2026: A Harrowing Image of Family Separation

The World Press Photo of the Year 2026 has been awarded to Carol Guzy for her photograph titled "Separated by ICE," which captures a poignant moment of family separation during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainment. Taken on August 26, 2025, at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City, the image depicts Luis, an Ecuadorian migrant, being taken away by ICE agents while his wife, Cocha, and their three children, aged seven, 13, and 15, are left in despair. This photograph is part of a larger series documenting ICE arrests at immigration court hearings.

NPR

Guzy's work highlights the impact of U.S. immigration policies, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump, which has been marked by a focus on mass deportation. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the emotional and financial turmoil faced by families caught in the crossfire of these policies. Guzy has been documenting these detainments for months, emphasizing the chaotic scenes that unfold outside courtrooms where families are often separated.

NPR

• Carol Guzy: A four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, Guzy has dedicated her work to documenting the human impact of immigration enforcement.

PetaPixel

• Luis: The father depicted in the photograph, who was detained by ICE agents following his court hearing.

NPR

• Cocha: Luis's wife, who, along with their children, experienced profound emotional trauma due to the detainment.

NPR

Joumana El Zein Khoury, executive director of World Press Photo, remarked that the image "shows the inconsolable grief of children losing their father in a place built for justice." She emphasized the importance of independent photojournalism in witnessing policies that have turned courthouses into sites of shattered lives. Guzy herself stated, "This award highlights the critical importance of the story worldwide," underscoring the resilience of families affected by these policies.

PetaPixel

While Guzy's work has been widely recognized, it also brings to light the controversial nature of U.S. immigration enforcement policies. Critics argue that such policies disproportionately affect vulnerable families and raise ethical concerns about the treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

NPR

The World Press Photo exhibition will open at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on April 24, showcasing the winning images and highlighting the critical role of photojournalism in documenting pressing global issues. Guzy's award includes a cash prize of 10,000 euros and a selection of Fujifilm equipment, further emphasizing the significance of her work in raising awareness about immigration enforcement.

PetaPixel

• “This image shows the inconsolable grief of children losing their father in a place built for justice.” — Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director, World Press Photo

PetaPixel

• “We bear witness to the suffering of countless families, but also to their grace and resilience that transcends adversity that has been quite humbling,” — Carol Guzy, Photographer

The Straits Times

The recognition of "Separated by ICE" serves as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind immigration policies and the essential role of photojournalism in advocating for justice and accountability.

NPR