ICE agents faced fierce opposition from activists during courthouse arrests in Manhattan, highlighting escalating tensions in the nationwide immigration enforcement crackdown.
At a Glance
- ICE agents arrested two individuals outside federal immigration courtrooms in Manhattan, including Dominican migrant Joaquin Rosario Espinal
- Activists physically confronted federal agents during the arrests, creating chaotic scenes
- The arrests are part of “Operation At Large,” a Trump administration deportation strategy targeting migrants during routine court check-ins
- Over a dozen federal agents were present, some concealing their identities with masks
- Similar resistance movements have emerged in Nashville, Chicago, and Boston
Confrontation at the Courthouse
A tense standoff between federal immigration authorities and activists erupted at a Manhattan federal courthouse as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested multiple illegal immigrants. The incident centered around Dominican national Joaquin Rosario Espinal, who was detained after leaving a courtroom following a routine check-in. Plainclothes ICE agents, many with their faces concealed by masks or neck gaiters, pinned Rosario Espinal to the ground and handcuffed him as he resisted arrest.
Witnesses reported that over a dozen federal agents participated in the operation, which resulted in at least four illegal immigrants being apprehended near Federal Plaza. The situation quickly escalated when pro-immigration activists attempted to intervene, blocking arrests and confronting officers. During the chaotic scene, agents could be heard repeatedly shouting at Rosario Espinal as they struggled to restrain him.
“Stop fighting! Stop resisting! Stop resisting!” officers commanded during the confrontation.
Operation At Large
The courthouse arrests are part of a broader nationwide initiative dubbed “Operation At Large” under the Trump administration. The strategy specifically targets migrants during routine court check-ins, which immigration advocates argue is causing fear within immigrant communities. According to reports, ICE has been making approximately 2,000 arrests daily, with over 100,000 migrants detained since the operation began. This follows White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s stated goal of reaching 3,000 ICE arrests daily.
Julian Rodriguez, a friend of Rosario Espinal who witnessed the arrest, expressed shock over the incident. “He don’t even know what’s going on. He asked me, ‘Oh what happened?’ He didn’t even know because all of them weighing on him, throwing him on the floor,” Rodriguez told reporters after the arrest.
Reports indicate that Rosario Espinal’s case had been dismissed by a judge just before his arrest, a tactic that sources say is becoming increasingly common. Rosario Espinal had crossed the southern border approximately one year ago, seeking better opportunities in the United States. A second individual who attempted to intervene during the arrest was also detained, despite claiming to be a citizen.
Growing Resistance Movement
The confrontation in Manhattan highlights a growing organized resistance to federal immigration enforcement. Activist group Immigrant ARC is spearheading what they call a “courthouse resistance” movement, organizing demonstrations against deportation efforts that have spread beyond New York City. Similar activist operations have emerged in Nashville, Chicago, and Boston, creating a coordinated response to immigration enforcement actions across multiple cities.
The Department of Homeland Security has not provided official comment on the courthouse arrests or the broader operation. The growing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local activists underscore the deep national divisions over immigration policy and enforcement priorities. As “Operation At Large” continues, confrontations between ICE agents and organized resistance groups appear likely to increase in courthouses and immigration facilities nationwide.
