Advocates Outraged as Federal Agents Make Arrests Inside Sanctuary City Courthouse
In a troubling escalation of immigration enforcement, a Haitian immigrant was among several individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a targeted sweep inside a Manhattan federal building that houses the immigration court. The arrests, which took place at 26 Federal Plaza on Wednesday, May 28, have reignited questions about New York City’s status as a sanctuary city and the boundaries of federal authority within its borders.
According to a report by AMNY, plainclothes ICE agents—wearing masks and civilian attire—were seen conducting coordinated arrests throughout the building, a well-known hub for immigrants handling crucial administrative and legal matters, including court dates, naturalization applications, and other services.
Arrests Carried Out in Broad Daylight
Witnesses reported that just after 11 a.m., agents executed arrests in the building’s lobby area as individuals exited elevators. The agents, armed with printed photographs of their intended targets, matched faces before moving in to make arrests. Some of the detained individuals were handcuffed on the spot, while others were quietly escorted back into elevators—presumably en route to custody holding areas.
An attorney who witnessed the events described the operation as ongoing throughout the day. “They were lining people up and matching them with printed photos,” the attorney recounted.
In a particularly alarming twist, THE CITY reported that a Queens-based pastor who was observing the arrests was also taken into custody. It remains unclear whether the pastor is facing any charges or was detained in error.
Haitian Immigrant Targeted
Among those apprehended was a Haitian immigrant, photographed as they were led away by ICE officers. The incident has sparked fear and outrage among immigrant communities in New York, particularly given the symbolic significance of 26 Federal Plaza as a center for lawful immigration proceedings.
ICE Defends Its Actions, Advocates Push Back
Marie Ferguson, a spokesperson for ICE, defended the operation in a statement provided to THE CITY, asserting that the agency is “enforcing the law” by placing individuals deemed to be “illegal aliens” into expedited removal proceedings. “Those with credible fear claims will continue in the immigration process,” she said. “Others will face swift deportation.”
Advocacy groups swiftly condemned the arrests, arguing that they violate the spirit of justice and human dignity. Rosa Santana, co-executive director of the Envision Freedom Fund, criticized the move in strong terms:
“Arrests like these inside immigration courthouses tear families apart, instill fear, and make it nearly impossible for people to fairly fight their cases. The consequences ripple through communities, discouraging people from working, seeking medical attention, or even sending their children to school.”
Sanctuary City Under Scrutiny
The raid has also revived debate over New York City’s sanctuary city policies. While Mayor Eric Adams has reiterated that immigration enforcement is a federal issue, critics argue that city leaders must do more to protect vulnerable residents from aggressive federal tactics.
This operation follows closely on the heels of another incident in which a NYC public school student was detained by ICE during a court appearance—raising serious concerns about the boundaries of federal power and the safety of immigrant communities in so-called sanctuary cities.
As the investigation continues and advocates call for answers, the Haitian community and broader immigrant rights groups remain on high alert, demanding transparency and accountability for those detained and their families.
ICE arrested in Manhattan, NY | Photo Credit: ICE
Original Reporting Source: AMNU | Additional Reporting: THE CITY
