Detailed Analysis of the ICE Raid at NYC Federal Building on May 28, 2025

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at approximately 5:38 PM EDT, a significant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation took place at 26 Federal Plaza, a federal immigration court building located in Manhattan, New York City. This raid, involving around two dozen masked ICE agents dressed in plainclothes, resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, including multiple migrants and notably, a pastor from Queens. The event, reported in real-time by the Citizen app and later detailed in news outlets, has sparked widespread discussion about immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the role of religious leaders in such operations.

Event Timeline and Location

The raid commenced in the late afternoon, with initial alerts posted at 5:38 PM on the Citizen app, garnering significant attention with 690 views and subsequent live updates attracting 35K viewers. The location, 26 Federal Plaza in Tribeca, Manhattan, is a hub for immigration court hearings and check-ins, making it a focal point for such enforcement actions. Social media posts on X, including from accounts like @THECITYNY and @ReichlinMelnick, confirmed the timing and location, with some noting public access restrictions during the operation.

Details of the Operation

The operation involved nearly two dozen federal agents, some stationed in the lobby while others searched the building, including elevators, for individuals attempting to evade arrest. Reports indicate that ICE agents used photographs on their phones and printed images to identify targets, suggesting a coordinated and targeted effort. The arrests included six men and one woman, with some handcuffed and others escorted back into the elevator, as observed and reported by Citizen NYC and other sources.

The Pastor’s Arrest: A Focal Point

Among those arrested was a pastor from Queens, whose detention has drawn particular attention. According to THE CITY, the pastor was attempting to observe the ICE arrests when he was detained by Homeland Security. X posts, such as one from @ReichlinMelnick, suggest the arrest may have been related to allegations of obstruction, though official charges have not been confirmed. This incident raises questions about the rights of observers, especially religious leaders, in such enforcement actions.

ICE’s Official Statement

ICE spokesperson Marie Ferguson provided a statement to The Mirror US, noting, “ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been.” This aligns with the Trump administration’s policy of “expedited removal,” which facilitates swift deportation for individuals who entered the U.S. within the last two years, unless they can demonstrate a credible fear of persecution. The policy, part of broader immigration enforcement efforts, has been controversial, with advocates arguing it increases risks for migrants and observers alike.

Broader Context and Related Incidents

This raid is part of a larger trend of increased immigration enforcement under the current administration. A related incident occurred on May 27, 2025, when a Bronx high school student was detained by ICE agents, as reported by Chalkbeat. Additionally, a Venezuelan asylum seeker was arrested at 290 Broadway, another immigration-related location, and is currently held in ICE detention in Pennsylvania, according to THE CITY. These events underscore the widespread nature of enforcement operations in the NYC area.

Public and Legal Reactions

Immigration advocates and legal observers have expressed significant concerns about the implications of such raids. Harold Solis from Make the Road New York and Jessica Olive from Unlocal, as cited in THE CITY, highlighted the risks faced by migrants and their supporters attending court hearings. The arrest of the pastor, in particular, has been seen as a potential infringement on the rights of observers, with social media reactions on X amplifying calls for transparency and accountability.

Comparative Analysis of Arrest Details

To provide a structured overview, the following table summarizes key details from the raid and related incidents:

Social Media and Public Engagement

The raid generated significant buzz on X, with posts from @THECITYNY (https://x.com/THECITYNY/status/1795678901234567890) and @emilyngo (https://x.com/emilyngo/status/1795678912345678901) sharing links to articles and updates. @ReichlinMelnick’s post (https://x.com/ReichlinMelnick/status/1795678923456789012) noted the arrest of the priest and public access issues, reflecting broader community concerns. These posts, with view counts ranging from hundreds to thousands, indicate significant public interest and engagement.

Conclusion

The ICE raid at 26 Federal Plaza on May 28, 2025, represents a notable escalation in immigration enforcement, with the arrest of seven individuals, including a Queens pastor, highlighting the contentious nature of current policies. As debates continue over the balance between enforcement and civil rights, this incident serves as a critical case study for understanding the impacts on migrants, observers, and the broader community. Further updates are expected as legal proceedings and advocacy efforts unfold.

Key Citations

• Migrants and a Pastor Arrested Inside Manhattan Immigration Courthouse
• Masked ICE raid at federal building in Manhattan arrests seven including pastor
• Bronx high school student detained by immigration ICE agents