New York City, October 11(HS): Tense and traumatic scenes have unfolded at New York City’s 26 Federal Plaza immigration court as federal officers intensify deportation efforts under the Trump administration, raising serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants and their families.

Monica Moreta Galarza’s distressing experience—being thrown to the ground as her husband Ruben Abelardo Ortiz López was detained—has become emblematic of a wider pattern of aggressive enforcement witnessed repeatedly at the courthouse.

Legal advocates describe the environment inside the court as charged and chaotic, with multiple instances of forceful detentions often occurring immediately after hearings, leaving families separated and immigrants fearful.

Journalists covering the events were also physically pushed by officers, highlighting growing tensions around immigration enforcement in the nation’s largest city.Data reveals that since President Trump’s inauguration, over 3,300 immigrants have been detained in the New York area, with nearly half arrested at 26 Federal Plaza; the majority of these individuals had no prior criminal records, underscoring the administration’s broadened targeting policies.

Lawyers warn that immigrants face an impossible choice: attend court and risk arrest or avoid hearings and face deportation orders in absentia.The Department of Homeland Security defends its aggressive stance as necessary for public safety and argues that most targets have criminal histories. However, immigrants and advocates say the harsh tactics echo the very injustices many fled from and have sparked widespread public and legal challenges.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar