A shocking video of a New York City ICE agent violently throwing a woman to the ground in front of her children has ignited widespread public outrage.
The footage, now circulating widely online, shows the woman pleading with the officer moments after her husband was detained by immigration authorities.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with the woman’s young daughter crying as bystanders rushed to her aid.
The video captures the officer repeatedly telling the woman “adios” while forcefully shoving her to the hard floor.
ICE Officer Relieved of Duties
Days after the video went viral, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the unnamed officer has been “relieved” of his duties.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, emphasized that the conduct captured in the footage is “unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE.”
It remains unclear whether the officer is still employed by the agency, and inquiries for further clarification are ongoing.
Distressing Moment Caught on Camera
Before the physical altercation, the woman can be heard pleading in Spanish, asking officers to take her as well.
She cried out, claiming that her husband was in danger and that the agents showed no concern for their safety.
The video shows her reaching for the officer’s arm, only to be shoved into a wall and slammed to the ground.
Court security later arrived to escort the woman, who was visibly shaken, from the building.
Family Taken to Hospital
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander confirmed that the woman was taken by ambulance to a hospital following the incident.
Details about her injuries and current condition have not been released.
Lander condemned the incident as part of broader concerns over ICE operations in the city, describing the daily actions of masked agents as violent and inhumane.
Political Leaders Speak Out
Congressman Dan Goldman, who was present at the time, called the act “egregious excessive force” and urged ICE Secretary Noem to implement measures preventing similar incidents in the future.
Lander also highlighted the family’s background, noting that they had arrived from Ecuador last year and that the woman is a mother to two children.
Husband Detained Moments Earlier
According to reports, the woman’s husband had been detained just seconds before the altercation, with masked agents reportedly failing to identify themselves or present a warrant.
The man was forcibly separated from his family in front of the immigration court, while the woman and her children were left in shock.
Public Response and Accountability
The footage has sparked calls for accountability from local officials, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens.
Social media users have shared the clip widely, expressing outrage at the apparent use of excessive force.
Officials have promised internal reviews, but public sentiment reflects deep concern over ICE operations in New York City.
The Family’s Ordeal
Eyewitnesses describe the mother as visibly distressed and overwhelmed.
According to Lander, the incident exemplifies a recurring pattern of aggressive enforcement tactics that place families in traumatic situations.
The family’s story has become a rallying point for calls to reexamine ICE policies and procedures.
Ongoing Investigation
ICE has pledged to investigate the incident fully, though specifics about potential disciplinary actions beyond the officer being relieved of duties remain unclear.
The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability as the situation continues to draw national attention.
Broader Implications
This incident has intensified the debate over immigration enforcement practices in the United States, highlighting concerns about the treatment of families and the use of force by federal agents.
Community leaders and advocates have called for reforms to ensure humane and lawful interactions between ICE personnel and residents.