ICE Agent Shoves Ecuadorian Mother

The Incident at 26 Federal Plaza: A Case of Excessive Force and Immigration Enforcement

On September 25, 2025, a distressing incident unfolded at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York City, a federal building that houses immigration courts, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office, and other federal agencies, including those handling Social Security hearings. The event involved an ICE officer who was caught on video shoving an Ecuadorian mother, Monica Moreta-Galarza, against a wall and onto the ground in front of her two young children and a crowd of onlookers. The altercation, which quickly went viral on social media, sparked widespread outrage, led to the officer being relieved of his duties, and prompted calls for criminal prosecution. This post examines the details of the incident, the individuals involved, the aftermath, and the broader context of immigration enforcement at 26 Federal Plaza, while also offering an opinion on the legal and ethical implications of the event.

 What Happened: A Detailed Account

The incident occurred in the crowded hallways of 26 Federal Plaza, a focal point of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Monica Moreta-Galarza, an Ecuadorian asylum seeker who arrived in the United States with her family in 2024, was at the federal building with her husband and two children—a daughter and a son—for an asylum hearing. The family had fled violence in Ecuador, seeking safety and legal status in the U.S. However, during the hearing, ICE agents detained Moreta-Galarza’s husband, separating him from his family in a chaotic scene.

Videos circulating on social media captured the heart-wrenching moments leading up to the altercation. In one clip, Moreta-Galarza and her daughter are seen clinging to her husband as masked ICE agents attempt to detain him. An agent can be heard saying, “Just grab her, pull her away,” while another grabs Moreta-Galarza’s hair to separate her from her husband. Her children, visibly distressed, watched as their father was taken away. Moreta-Galarza, overcome with grief and desperation, pleaded with the agents in Spanish, saying, “They are going to kill him,” referring to the dangers her husband would face if deported to Ecuador.

Moments later, in a separate video, Moreta-Galarza confronted an ICE officer in a hallway near an elevator bank. The officer, dressed in plain clothes with a badge around his neck, appeared dismissive, repeatedly saying “Adios” (Spanish for “goodbye”) as Moreta-Galarza begged for her husband’s release. She stated, “You guys don’t care about anything,” and at one point placed her hand on the officer’s chest, a gesture that appeared to be an emotional plea rather than an act of aggression. The officer responded by grabbing her, shoving her backward into a wall, and pushing her to the ground. As she lay on the floor, surrounded by her crying children and onlookers, including photographers and court officials, the officer stood over her, shouting for others to remove her from the building.

The incident left Moreta-Galarza shaken and physically harmed. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation, with concerns about possible head trauma from hitting the wall and floor. She later told reporters, “Over [in Ecuador], they beat us there too. I didn’t think I’d come here to the United States and the same thing would happen to me.” The videos, which spread rapidly online, drew condemnation from city officials, immigration advocates, and the public, who decried the officer’s use of excessive force and lack of compassion.

 The Individuals Involved

Monica Moreta-Galarza: The victim of the incident, Moreta-Galarza is an Ecuadorian mother who fled violence in her home country with her husband and two children, seeking asylum in the U.S. Her family’s ordeal at 26 Federal Plaza highlights the human toll of aggressive immigration enforcement policies. After the incident, she sought safety in the office of Representative Dan Goldman, who described her as traumatized but resilient.

The ICE Officer: The officer involved in the incident has not been publicly identified by name, per Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statements. Described as wearing plain clothes and a badge, he was recorded engaging in aggressive behavior, including pulling Moreta-Galarza’s hair and shoving her to the ground. Reports indicate this officer may have a history of volatile conduct, as court observers noted similar behavior, including forcibly separating a teenage girl from her father in a previous incident.

Key Public Figures:

- Representative Dan Goldman: A Democrat whose district includes 26 Federal Plaza, Goldman was a vocal critic of the officer’s actions. He provided refuge to Moreta-Galarza and her children in his office and called for disciplinary action from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Goldman, along with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, referred the officer to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and federal prosecutors for possible felony prosecution, citing excessive force and violation of Moreta-Galarza’s Fourth Amendment rights.

- Brad Lander: New York City’s comptroller and a frequent critic of ICE’s tactics, Lander was present at 26 Federal Plaza during the incident but did not witness it directly. He has been arrested twice at the facility for protesting ICE’s actions and attempting to inspect the holding cells on the 10th floor, which have been criticized for inhumane conditions. Lander condemned the officer’s actions as “lawless” and emphasized the need for accountability.

- Tricia McLaughlin: As DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, McLaughlin issued a statement condemning the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE.” She confirmed that the officer was relieved of his duties pending a full investigation.

 Update on the ICE Agent SEPT 26, 2025

Following the viral spread of the videos, the Department of Homeland Security acted swiftly, announcing on September 26, 2025, that the ICE officer involved was “relieved of his current duties” pending a full investigation. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that ICE officers are held to “the highest professional standards” and that the officer’s behavior was unacceptable. However, it remains unclear whether the officer has been fully terminated or reassigned to other duties within ICE, as the agency has not provided further clarification.

City officials, including Goldman and Lander, have argued that relieving the officer of duties is insufficient. They have called for criminal prosecution, citing the officer’s use of excessive force and potential violation of Moreta-Galarza’s constitutional rights. A two-page referral from Goldman and Lander to federal prosecutors accused the officer of depriving Moreta-Galarza of her Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. As of now, the Department of Justice has not confirmed whether it will pursue a felony case, as such decisions are at their discretion.

The incident has also fueled broader calls for oversight and reform at 26 Federal Plaza. On September 18, 2025, Lander and 10 other elected officials were arrested at the facility for attempting to inspect the 10th-floor holding cells, which have been described as overcrowded and unsanitary. Video evidence from July 2025 confirmed reports of inhumane conditions, including migrants sleeping on filthy floors and sharing a single bathroom among dozens. These conditions, coupled with the officer’s actions, have intensified demands to shut down the detention operations at the facility.

 The Context of 26 Federal Plaza

The Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building at 26 Federal Plaza is a significant hub for federal operations in New York City. In addition to housing immigration courts and ICE’s New York field office, it is a processing center for Social Security hearings and other federal services. However, the building has become a flashpoint for controversy due to ICE’s aggressive tactics under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Since May 2025, federal agents have been stationed in the hallways, arresting migrants immediately after their court hearings, a practice that critics argue violates due process and creates a climate of fear.

The facility has gained a reputation for rude and unprofessional staff and security personnel. Court observers and advocates have reported instances of dismissive or hostile behavior from ICE agents and security guards, including the use of excessive force and verbal taunts. The September 25 incident is not isolated; reports indicate that the same officer involved in Moreta-Galarza’s case was recorded aggressively arresting a court observer in August 2025 and forcibly separating a teenage girl from her father in a prior incident. These patterns have led to accusations that 26 Federal Plaza operates as a de facto detention center, despite DHS’s claims that it is merely a processing facility.

 Opinion: Balancing Law Enforcement and Human Dignity

The incident at 26 Federal Plaza raises complex questions about immigration enforcement, the rule of law, and the conduct of federal officers. From one perspective, illegal immigration is a violation of U.S. law, and those who enter the country without authorization must face the consequences, including detention and deportation. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, as amended, grants ICE the authority to detain and remove individuals who are in the U.S. illegally (8 U.S.C. § 1226). Immigrants who cross the border without proper documentation are aware of the legal risks, yet they choose to do so, often driven by dire circumstances such as violence or economic hardship. While their motivations may be understandable, the law is clear: unauthorized entry is grounds for deportation, and ICE is tasked with enforcing this mandate.

In the case of Monica Moreta-Galarza, her act of placing a hand on the ICE officer’s chest, though seemingly non-threatening, violated legal boundaries. Federal law prohibits physical interference with law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. Under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a), assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer can result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment. While Moreta-Galarza’s action was likely an emotional response rather than an intent to harm, it provided the officer with a legal basis to respond. However, the officer’s reaction—pulling her hair, shoving her into a wall, and pushing her to the ground—was grossly disproportionate and unjustifiable.

The officer’s conduct was not only excessive but also unprofessional and abusive. His repeated use of “Adios” as a taunt was dismissive and dehumanizing, undermining the dignity of a woman in distress. Such behavior reflects poorly on ICE and erodes public trust in federal law enforcement. The officer’s prior actions, including pulling Moreta-Galarza’s hair and separating a teenage girl from her father, suggest a pattern of aggression that is incompatible with the “highest professional standards” touted by DHS. While ICE agents face challenging and often volatile situations, their training and protocols emphasize de-escalation and the use of minimal force, as noted by a former ICE official who stated there was “absolutely no” justification for the officer’s actions.

The broader environment at 26 Federal Plaza exacerbates these issues. The facility’s reputation for rude staff and aggressive security practices creates a hostile atmosphere for immigrants, many of whom are navigating complex legal processes under immense stress. The practice of courthouse arrests, which has intensified under the Trump administration, deters migrants from attending hearings, undermining due process and the integrity of the immigration system. While the law must be enforced, it should not come at the cost of basic human dignity or constitutional protections.

In conclusion, the incident at 26 Federal Plaza underscores the need for accountability and reform in immigration enforcement. ICE agents must adhere to strict standards of conduct, and those who engage in excessive force or unprofessional behavior should face severe consequences, including criminal prosecution if warranted. At the same time, immigrants must respect the legal boundaries of the country they seek to enter, understanding that violations carry consequences. Balancing enforcement with compassion is essential to maintaining a just and humane immigration system.

UPDATE: September 27, 2025 - ICE agent was reinstated.  

 Sources

- The Guardian, “Ice officer ‘relieved of duties’ after video shows him manhandling woman at New York immigration court,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/26/ice-officer-video-relieved-of-duties)

- The New York Times, “ICE Officer ‘Relieved of His Duties’ After Pushing Woman to Floor,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/nyregion/ice-officer-investigation-woman-shoved.html)

- The New York Times, “U.S. Agent Pushes Woman to Floor in Immigration Courthouse Confrontation,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/nyregion/ice-push-woman-nyc.html)

- CNN, “ICE officer who shoved a mother to the floor at an immigration courthouse is ‘relieved of his current duties,’ agency says,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/26/us/new-york-federal-agent-woman-confrontation-ice-hnk)

- CBS News, “Unacceptable: ICE officer relieved of duties after videos show him shoving woman to the ground,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-officer-relieved-of-duties-video/)

- NPR, “ICE officer caught on video pushing woman is placed on leave,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/26/nx-s1-5554431/ice-officer-placed-on-leave)

- The Independent, “ICE agent slams woman to the ground and taunts ‘adios’ after her husband is detained in viral video,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-video-arrest-federal-plaza-new-york-b2834410.html)

- BBC, “ICE officer disciplined after shoving woman in New York,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4w23yjzj1o)

- Hindustan Times, “ICE agent relieved of duties after shoving woman at NYC courthouse, DHS calls officer’s act ‘unacceptable’,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/ice-agent-relieved-of-duties-after-shoving-woman-at-nyc-courthouse-dhs-calls-officers-act-unacceptable-101758902619703.html)

- Newsweek, “ICE Agent Relieved of Duty After Shoving Woman to Ground: ‘Unacceptable’,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.newsweek.com/ice-agent-relieved-shoved-woman-immigration-court-nyc-10790513)

- CBS New York, “NYC comptroller says video shows ICE agent’s altercation with wife of detainee,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/federal-plaza-video-detainee-wife-shoved/)

- ABC7 New York, “ICE officer relieved of duties after violent confrontation in Manhattan courthouse at 26 Federal Plaza goes viral,” September 26, 2025[](https://abc7ny.com/post/ice-officer-relieved-duties-violent-confrontation-manhattan-courthouse-26-federal-plaza-goes-viral/17888417/)

- The Hill, “DHS says federal officer on leave after pushing woman to floor,” September 26, 2025[](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5523674-ice-agent-shoves-woman-leave/)

- ABC News, “ICE officer ‘relieved of current duties’ after violent confrontation caught on camera,” September 26, 2025[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/ice-officer-relieved-current-duties-after-violent-confrontation/story?id=125974099)

- NBC New York, “ICE agent seen shoving detainee wife is relieved of duties,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/manhattan/ice-agent-suspended-video-federal-plaza/6396770/)

- Democracy Now!, “Video Shows ICE Agent Assaulting Ecuadorian Mother Inside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.democracynow.org/2025/9/26/headlines/video_shows_ice_agent_assaulting_ecuadorian_mother_inside_26_federal_plaza_in_manhattan)

- New York Immigration Coalition, “New Video Shows Inhumane Conditions Inside ICE Detention Center at 26 Federal Plaza, ICE Breaking Oversight Law,” July 22, 2025[](https://www.nyic.org/2025/07/new-video-shows-inhumane-conditions-inside-ice-detention-center-at-26-federal-plaza-ice-breaking-oversight-law/)

- New York Daily News, “ICE agent recorded shoving woman to floor at NYC detention site is relieved of his duties,” September 26, 2025[](https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/09/26/ice-agent-recorded-shoving-woman-floor-nyc-detention-site-relieved-duties/)

- United States Code, Title 8, Section 1226, “Apprehension and detention of aliens”

- United States Code, Title 18, Section 111, “Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees”