Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol conducted arrests of several undocumented immigrants in a Manhattan federal courthouse today, provoking a dramatic confrontation involving a State Senator and City Councilman who physically attempted to block the operation.
Footage from inside the courthouse shows the agents escorting detained individuals out of the courtroom while the two elected officials intervened, physically placing themselves between officers and the subjects of the arrest.
Despite their actions, ICE proceeded with the detentions, moving several individuals into custody.
The incident took place amid heightened tensions over the aggressive enforcement policies of the Trump administration. In recent weeks, federal raids have expanded to include immigrants attending their scheduled court appearances, a strategy that critics argue undermines access to due process and sows fear in immigrant communities.
The Manhattan arrests are consistent with courthouse enforcement trends seen across New York City.
ICE has ramped up activity, detaining undocumented individuals at federal courthouses in Manhattan—including last month when several were apprehended upon arrival—and facing resistance from lawmakers like Rep. Dan Goldman, who condemned the actions as reminiscent of “Gestapo-like behavior”.
Local officials such as City Councilman Brad Lander, who was arrested in June after attempting to block an immigrant’s capture in the courtroom, have faced federal arrests themselves during these high-stakes confrontations. The recurring clashes highlight the growing friction between federal immigration enforcement and local legal authorities in sanctuary cities.
ICE defends its conduct, stating that the arrests were lawful and that court appearances do not grant immunity from enforcement actions. The agency points to its policy allowing civil immigration arrests inside federal buildings when individuals are present as part of immigration proceedings.
Advocates for immigrants, courts, and civil liberties are calling on Congress and New York State lawmakers to enact stronger safeguards—such as requiring judicial warrants for courthouse arrests—to prevent disruptions to court access and reduce fear-driven absenteeism.
Critics argue that law enforcement is weaponizing courtrooms and violating long-held norms of due process.
With the nation watching, today’s episode marks the latest flashpoint in the ongoing legal and political battle over immigration. Its outcome may shape future policies on how and where federal agents can carry out civil immigration arrests—especially where democratic oversight and public transparency are at stake.
