Introduction to the Crisis
The anger and fear inside the immigration court in Lower Manhattan on Monday were palpable as masked ICE agents were spotted lurking in the hallways and rifling through names on court dockets.
The anger and fear inside the immigration court in Lower Manhattan on Monday were palpable as masked ICE agents were spotted combing the hallways and rifling through names on court dockets.
The Presence of ICE Agents
The masked men waited in the halls of 26 Federal Plaza for most of the day on June 9 while looking to apprehend individuals attending court hearings, with their presence sparking fear and confusion among visitors and lawyers alike.
Several federal agents wearing FBI patches plastered on their bulletproof vests arrived on the 12th floor that morning, but appeared to remove those patches when they noticed press cameras.
Actions of the Agents
They gathered with ICE agents and others wearing DEA patches and loitered in the corridor not far from where flyers were posted encouraging immigrants to comply in advance and self-deport.
A masked ICE agent, wearing a vest with a patch reading “POLICE” in block letters, inside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on June 9, 2025.
Photo by Dean Moses
Reaction from Lawyers and Visitors
Their appearance drew the ire of lawyers and fear from immigrants.
One lawyer, who asked not to be identified, told amNewYork that when one of the judges saw the masked group, they told her to return later in the morning — apparently in the hope of avoiding an encounter.
Another federal employee, who also asked not to be named, told amNewYork that having ICE in the building has been a living hell and is making them uncomfortable.
Observations of the Agents’ Behavior
Other attorneys could be observed repeatedly returning to the hallway and staring at the agents before scurrying away.
Though attorneys fumed and visitors expressed concern, the ICE agents themselves didn’t seem to have a care in the world.
As the hours wore on, the ICE agents could be seen joking and laughing while the court was in session — so much so that a security guard asked them to keep it down.
Coordination Efforts
When they weren’t carousing, they seemed to be scouring their phones and the court dockets looking for people eligible for deportation.
amNewYork also spotted a text chain the group appeared to be on in which they attempted to coordinate their detainments.
“This is in 26 still, right?” one message read, referring to the Federal Plaza address.
“A lady is giving out flyers explaining how to fight a dismissal,” another message read.
Later, the ICE agents were seen comparing the names from the list on the wall with a paper they held in their hands.
Outcome and Further Arrests
Despite waiting until just before 3 p.m., the federal agents left the building without making an arrest. However, at least immigrants were reportedly arrested across the street at 2090 Broadway.
Flyers tell people to self-deport.
Photo by Dean Moses
ICE badge.
Photo by Dean Moses
Lawyers’ Perspective on ICE’s Tactics
Some attorneys believe ICE’s presence at the courts is a fear tactic, commenting on the use of several different agencies.
“They cover their faces. Why are they covering their faces? What are they hiding? They are not identifying who they’re with. We’re seeing officers from different agencies being used as part of this, that’s been happening the last week and a half. FBI agents are in courtrooms,” said immigration attorney for Make the Road New York Rachel Levenson.
The mood inside immigrant court in Lower Manhattan was one of anger and fear on Monday as ICE agents were spotted lurking in the hallways, rifling through names on court dockets.
Photo by Dean Moses
Conclusion
The presence of ICE agents in the Manhattan immigration court has created a climate of fear and anxiety among lawyers, visitors, and immigrants. Their tactics, including lurking in hallways, rifling through court dockets, and attempting to coordinate detainments, have been widely criticized. The use of multiple agencies and the removal of identifying patches have added to the sense of unease and mistrust. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the presence of ICE agents will impact the functioning of the immigration court and the lives of those who rely on it.
FAQs
Q: What was the situation like at the Manhattan immigration court on June 9, 2025?
A: The situation was one of fear and anxiety, with masked ICE agents lurking in the hallways and rifling through court dockets.
Q: Why were the ICE agents at the court?
A: The ICE agents were at the court to apprehend individuals attending court hearings, sparking fear and confusion among visitors and lawyers.
Q: How did the lawyers and visitors react to the presence of ICE agents?
A: The lawyers and visitors were angry and fearful, with some attorneys criticizing the tactics used by the ICE agents.
Q: Were any arrests made by the ICE agents?
A: Despite waiting until just before 3 p.m., the federal agents left the building without making an arrest at the court, but at least immigrants were reportedly arrested across the street.
Q: What do lawyers believe is the purpose of ICE’s presence at the courts?
A: Some attorneys believe that ICE’s presence at the courts is a fear tactic, intended to intimidate and discourage immigrants from attending court hearings.
