ICE Detentions Surge at Manhattan Courthouse Amid Ongoing Crackdown

UPDATE: Tensions remain high inside Manhattan’s immigration courthouse as the crackdown by ICE continues, with over a dozen agents present just this morning. Legal experts warn that while the number of detentions has decreased, the atmosphere of fear and intimidation persists.

Inside 26 Federal Plaza, the scene unfolds similarly to the past months, with ICE agents patrolling the hallways. According to Benjamin Remy, Senior Coordinating Attorney at the New York Legal Assistance Group, the climate has shifted since last summer when up to 30 detentions occurred over a few days. As of March 3, 2026, only an estimated 30 arrests have taken place in the first two months of this year.

Despite fewer arrests, Remy reported that the level of violence during detentions remains alarming. “We just had a detention yesterday where a man was slammed against a wall,” he stated. “The reduction in numbers does not equate to a decrease in violence. These arrests still occur under aggressive circumstances.”

The situation is compounded by the ongoing threat posed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which continues to allocate resources to the courthouse. “I don’t look at this as being out of the storm yet,” Remy cautioned. “We are still in the eye of the storm.” Legal resources inside the courthouse are more crucial than ever.

The daily presence of ICE agents has transformed the courthouse environment. Peter Melck Kuttel, Detention Coordinator for Saint Peter’s Church, described the shift from “chaos” to “organized chaos,” emphasizing the palpable tension and dread among those attending court hearings. “While the physical violence has somewhat normalized, the threat of court proceedings remains ever high,” Kuttel said.

The legal landscape has also shifted dramatically. Under current policies, asylum applications face unprecedented scrutiny. Alexander Carrión of the Carrión Law Firm explains that applications must now be meticulously detailed, with any incomplete submissions risking outright rejection. “Every single box has to be checked off precisely,” Carrión stated. “Any clerical mistake could lead to immediate deportation.”

This evolving legal framework poses significant challenges for individuals seeking asylum, such as Nathaly Montana Andrade, whom Carrión represents pro bono. Even the most straightforward cases are facing increased hurdles, further complicating the already precarious situation for immigrants.

As the crackdown continues, Kuttel emphasized the lack of criminal history among most detainees at the courthouse. “The majority of those detained have no criminal history,” he noted. “ICE’s presence serves as both enforcement and intimidation, pushing individuals towards voluntary departure and increasing the number of detainers issued.”

The ongoing situation at 26 Federal Plaza serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved for immigrants navigating the legal system in the U.S. The combination of aggressive enforcement, heightened scrutiny of legal applications, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear underlines the urgent need for legal support and advocacy in these challenging times.

As developments unfold, the community and legal advocates continue to monitor the situation closely, urging vigilance and support for those affected. The fight for justice and fair treatment in the immigration system remains far from over.