Twenty imposing men paced the hallway of New York's immigration court. Guns on their belts, tactical vests strapped to their chests, masks pulled up over their noses, sunglasses over their eyes and caps concealing their faces. Their intimidating presence on Tuesday, September 30, was deliberate. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have cultivated a paramilitary image.

A group of photojournalists stood waiting opposite them. A courtroom door opened, and a young man exited after his hearing before a judge. The agents rushed toward him, closely followed by a burst of camera flashes. They checked his papers: His name was not on their deportation list. He was free to go. Head lowered, he slipped out of the crowd. Everyone dispersed, waiting for the following case.

Moments later, another person headed toward the elevator. The officers followed. The photographers drew closer, flashes fired again, and a scuffle broke out. An ICE agent, built like an American football player, grabbed a photographer and aggressively shoved him; the photographer's head struck the ground. He was taken away by ambulance a few minutes later.

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