Journalists Clash with Federal Agents Outside NYC Court

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:09:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tensions rose as federal agents clashed with journalists reporting on immigration arrests outside a Manhattan court, leaving one journalist hospitalized. This incident underscores the ongoing struggles between enforcement actions and press freedom.

In a dramatic incident outside a Manhattan immigration court, federal agents forcibly restrained journalists, injuring one. As reporters attempted to cover arrests, confrontations escalated, prompting criticism from local officials and raising concerns over press freedom amid aggressive immigration enforcement. Witnesses described journalists being pushed from elevators as they documented the situation, with agents claiming they faced disruptions from the press. The altercation has prompted discussions about the need for clearer protocols in public areas and respect for journalistic duties.

NEW YORK (AP) — Tensions flared outside a New York City immigration court as federal agents clashed with journalists reporting on immigration enforcement actions. On Tuesday, chaotic scenes unfolded when journalists were forcefully pushed away by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, resulting in one journalist being hospitalized.

The incident involved L. Vural Elibol, a visual journalist from Anadolu News Agency, who suffered a head injury after being knocked to the floor during the altercation. Eyewitnesses reported that federal agents violently confronted journalists who were attempting to document the arrests. Paramedics arrived and treated Elibol with a neck brace before transporting him to the hospital.

As the commotion escalated, Dean Moses, a police bureau chief for amNewYork, recounted being grabbed and pushed from an elevator by agents, highlighting the aggressive nature of the encounter. I tried to hold on, but I got shoved out, he stated. Additionally, freelance photographer Olga Fedorova was reportedly shoved, exacerbating the chaos.

In defense of their actions, Homeland Security's Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that agents felt “swarmed” by journalists and activists, which she claimed disrupted their operations.

The situation raised serious concerns over journalistic freedoms, especially in light of widespread criticism from politicians. New York Governor Kathy Hochul decried the violent approach towards both immigrants and reporters, stating it must come to an end. Following a trend of aggressive immigration enforcement, this incident highlights the ongoing clash between media rights and law enforcement protocols.