Monica Moreta Galarza felt relief after her husband's routine immigration hearing at New York City's 26 Federal Plaza.
A judge had ordered Rubén Abelardo Ortiz López to return to court in May, and she believed that meant a reprieve from his potential deportation to Ecuador.
Instead, as soon as they stepped out of the courtroom with their children, she was violently torn from her husband's arms by immigration officers who detained him.
One of them charged at me so aggressively that I was terrified, and he ended up throwing me to the ground, Ms. Moreta Galarza told BBC News in Spanish. They treated us like animals. This incident has since sparked outrage and discussions about ICE's aggressive practices at immigration hearings.
Witnesses and legal experts describe a charged atmosphere at 26 Federal Plaza, where many detainees are apprehended without the opportunity to consult legal counsel. Attorneys report that the approach is traumatic for families, as individuals are swiftly removed from hearings.
Video footage has shown chaotic detentions with officers outnumbering individuals and making arrests without warning, pushing bystanders—including the media—out of the way. Reports indicate a significant uptick in the arrests performed at immigration courts, often targeting those without criminal records.
Legal analysts express concern that the current enforcement strategies create a double bind for immigrants; attending court can lead to detention while missing an appearance can lead to automatic deportation orders. The government's justification for these operations—arguing they target 'dangerous' criminals—raises questions about the fundamental values of safety and dignity.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for discussions around immigration reform and the human impact of policy decisions on families like Ms. Moreta Galarza's.
