ICE Officer Placed on Leave After Video Shows Assault on Woman

New York City, NY – An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been placed on leave following a video that shows him pushing a woman to the ground at a federal immigration court. The incident occurred as the woman was pleading for the release of her detained husband.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the decision on Friday. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “The officer’s conduct in this video is unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE.” The investigation into the incident has been launched, and the officer has been relieved of his duties.

The distressing video went viral on social media on Thursday, capturing the moment when the woman, identified as Monica Moreta-Galarza from Ecuador, approached the officer in a courthouse hallway. The officer was recorded saying “adios” multiple times before he shoved her against a wall, sending her crashing to the ground.

Another angle of the video showed Moreta-Galarza confronting the officer while shouting in Spanish, “take me, take me!” as her husband was being detained. Witnesses reported that she was visibly upset while her two young children were present during the confrontation.

In a statement, Congressman Dan Goldman, whose district includes the courthouse where the incident took place, confirmed that Moreta-Galarza sought refuge in his office with her children after fleeing the scene. He condemned the officer’s actions, stating that they exemplified the excessive force that is becoming increasingly common from federal immigration officers.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the conduct of ICE officers. In light of this, Goldman and city Comptroller Brad Lander have urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to consider felony charges against the officer involved. They described the officer’s actions as an example of “secret police” tactics that threaten community safety.

Goldman stated, “This is unacceptable conduct from this ICE agent. We need a serious investigation into this incident.” Meanwhile, Lander noted that Moreta-Galarza was taken to a hospital after the altercation, highlighting the physical and emotional toll on her and her family.

Local advocates and officials have voiced their concerns over ICE’s increased presence in courthouses as they continue their immigration enforcement practices under the current administration. Critics argue that this has created an atmosphere of fear that discourages immigrants from accessing necessary legal services.