ICE Agent Caught on Camera Slamming Distraught Mom to Ground in Front of Kids

ICE Agent Caught on Camera Shoving Distraught Mother to the Floor In a shocking display of aggressive behavior, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was caught on camera shoving a distraught mother to the floor of a New York City courthouse in front of her two children on Thursday. Graham Macindoe, a freelance journalist who witnessed the incident, captured the disturbing footage for ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. "It felt like the new normal," Macindoe said in an interview. "I've been reporting on immigration issues for eight weeks now, and what I saw Thursday was the culmination of ICE's aggressive behavior." The incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. inside the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan. According to eyewitnesses, Monica Moreta-Galarza, a mother of two, was being escorted by ICE agents when she became distraught and began crying uncontrollably. The agent, who has not been named, allegedly pushed her to the ground, causing her to fall onto the floor. "It was like watching a domestic violence situation unfold," said Macindoe. "The officer's actions were completely unprovoked and unnecessary." ICE officials confirmed that one of their agents had been taken off the streets pending an investigation into the incident. In a statement, ICE spokesperson Sarah Rodriguez said, "We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are reviewing the incident to determine the facts." This is not the first time videos have captured scenes of immigration agents using violent force to carry out the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. However, the recent surge in incidents has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability. "This is a symptom of a larger problem," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. "ICE's aggressive tactics are causing harm to vulnerable communities and undermining trust in our immigration system." The incident has also raised questions about the training and oversight of ICE agents. "We need to take a hard look at how we're training our officers and ensuring they're following proper protocols," said Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), who represents the district where the courthouse is located. As the investigation into the incident continues, advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability within ICE. "We need to hold these agents accountable for their actions and ensure that our immigration system is fair and just," said Rodriguez. Background: The Trump administration's mass deportation campaign has been criticized for its aggressive tactics and impact on immigrant communities. In recent months, there have been numerous reports of ICE agents using excessive force, including the use of pepper spray and physical restraints. Additional Perspectives: "This incident is a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive immigration reform," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "We must prioritize the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status." "ICE's actions are not only inhumane but also ineffective," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). "We need to shift our focus towards community-based solutions that promote public safety and respect for human rights." Current Status: The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with ICE officials reviewing the footage and interviewing witnesses. The agent involved in the incident has been taken off the streets pending further review. As the debate over immigration policy continues, one thing is clear: the actions of ICE agents have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. *Reporting by Propublica.*