World Press Photo Announces Photo of the Year 2026: A Reflection on Family Separation

The World Press Photo of the Year 2026 has been awarded to "Separated by ICE," a photograph by Carol Guzy, captured for the Miami Herald. The image depicts a poignant moment of family separation, specifically focusing on Luis, an Ecuadorian father detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after an immigration court hearing at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City on August 26, 2025. Guzy's work highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by families caught in the crossfire of U.S. immigration policies.

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Guzy, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, has been documenting the detainment of individuals by ICE for several months. Her access to the courthouse, where ICE agents routinely detain individuals post-hearing, is unprecedented. The chaotic scenes often involve families, with children expressing distress as their loved ones are taken away. Guzy noted that the atmosphere is filled with tension, as many families are left traumatized by these encounters.

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Guzy's motivation to document these events stems from her experiences at the Republican National Convention, where she observed a fervent call for mass deportation. Recognizing the potential impact of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, she felt compelled to shed light on the human stories behind the statistics. Guzy emphasized the critical role of photojournalism in holding authorities accountable and amplifying the voices of those affected by these policies.

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The emotional toll on families like Luis's is profound. Guzy has lost contact with Luis's family, who were expected to seek assistance from a local church but did not show up. She continues to follow the struggles of other families, highlighting the financial and psychological challenges they face after the loss of their primary breadwinner. Children in these families often experience nightmares and require therapy to cope with their trauma.

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Joumana El Zein Khoury, the executive director of World Press Photo, remarked on the significance of Guzy's image, stating that it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of family separation policies in the U.S. Guzy expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award, emphasizing that it represents not just her work but the stories of the individuals depicted in her photographs.

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While Guzy's work has been recognized for its importance, there are varying perspectives on the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies. Critics argue that these policies have led to unnecessary trauma and suffering for countless families, while supporters may contend that such measures are necessary for national security. The ongoing debate surrounding immigration reform continues to evoke strong emotions on both sides.

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• “Executive director of World Press Photo, Joumana El Zein Khoury said: "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

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• “And I think it's you know, it's imperative for the media right now to put a face on who's being affected, who's being detained and the aftershocks that the families are dealing with.” — Carol Guzy, Photojournalist

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• “It's for the people in the pictures and everyone who's involved in this issue right now.” — Carol Guzy, Photojournalist

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The recognition of "Separated by ICE" underscores the ongoing crisis of family separation in the U.S. and the vital role of journalism in documenting these human stories.

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