The federal immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City has become a focal point for intense immigration enforcement. For many, the experience is deeply distressing, as illustrated by the incident involving Monica Moreta Galarza, who was forcefully separated from her husband, Rubén Abelardo Ortiz López, and thrown to the ground by immigration officers.
Ms. Moreta Galarza described the event as being treated “like animals.” This incident, which gained significant public attention, led to the suspension of the officer involved and highlighted a pattern of aggressive tactics observed by reporters and legal advocates at the courthouse. Attorneys report that the environment is often “traumatic” for the clients and families they serve, as individuals are apprehended immediately after their court hearings, sometimes without the opportunity to speak with their legal counsel.
The court at 26 Federal Plaza is a central location for the Trump administration’s mass deportation initiative. Data indicates that a significant portion of detentions in the New York City area occur here. Many immigrants, fearing arrest, are now hesitant to attend their court dates, creating a dilemma where missing an appearance can lead to automatic deportation, while attending could result in immediate detention.
Legal experts and immigrant rights advocates note a shift from previous enforcement practices, which focused more on individuals with criminal records. Currently, the net appears to be cast wider, with many individuals with pending asylum claims or other forms of relief also being detained. The Department of Homeland Security defends its operations, stating they are targeted and that officers have the authority to detain individuals present in the US illegally, often citing public safety and the removal of criminals.
However, the experiences at 26 Federal Plaza raise concerns about due process and the humanitarian treatment of immigrants. For individuals like Ms. Moreta Galarza, these encounters evoke painful memories of the very injustices they sought to escape in their home countries, leaving them feeling devalued and unprotected.