Video Shows Violent ICE Operation by Masked Agents in the Middle of a New York City Street

ICE masked agents spark controversy

Shaun Abreu denounces the operation

Confusion between NYPD and ICE

A video shared on social media shows the moment when alleged ICE agents, wearing masks, violently pulled a man out of a car on a New York City street Wednesday morning.

In the footage, recorded by bystanders, a person can be heard shouting, “Show your faces!” as the armed men struggle with the individual in the middle of the roadway.

Democratic Council Member Shaun Abreu, who represents District 7, shared the video on his X account and called the incident “deeply disturbing.”

ICE Operation in New York Sparks Public Alarm

ICE Masked Operation in New York Sparks Public Alarm – Photo Shutterstock

“This video of someone being forcibly taken off the street in front of our neighbors is deeply disturbing,” Abreu said in a statement.

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“ICE and other federal agencies carrying out Trump’s agenda of detaining people without due process have no place in our city.”

According to a spokesperson for his office, someone called 911 during the incident believing it was a kidnapping or an armed assault.

Confusion Between Police and ICE

Minutes ago, masked ICE agents ripped someone out of their car on 157th street and Broadway.

We are working on ascertaining more information. In the meantime, please remain alert and look out for your neighbors. pic.twitter.com/8rchgRvJru

— Council Member Shaun Abreu (@CMShaunAbreu) November 12, 2025

Police sources reported that NYPD officers responded to a report describing “four armed men” pulling another person out of a vehicle, prompting a rapid mobilization to the scene.

When officers attempted to intervene, they discovered the masked men were ICE agents and had to withdraw, according to accounts reported by local media.

The episode caused confusion and concern among area residents, who said they did not see any visible identification or official badges during the operation.

The scene reignited controversy over immigration operations in public spaces and the use of undercover tactics that could endanger civilians as well as other law enforcement bodies.

Criticism of Federal Tactics

City Comptroller Brad Lander also commented on the ICE masked operation, expressing concern over the increase in similar actions in various cities nationwide.

“We are seeing more and more cases like this here, similar to what has been seen in Chicago, Los Angeles, and other places,” Lander told amNewYork.

He warned about the lack of clarity surrounding the legitimacy of such operations:

“How can you determine, based on that video, whether it was a legitimate and lawful arrest—something we may oppose and not want to see, but at least carried out by legitimate federal agents within the law?

“Or whether, you know, it’s people in disguise kidnapping others without any legal basis?”

Local authorities have not confirmed the identity of the alleged agents or the reasons for the detention.

The case remains under review and has sparked a renewed debate over transparency and accountability in federal immigration operations, especially amid concerns tied to the ICE masked operation controversy.