ICE Officer Returns to Duty After Investigation
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reinstated an officer who was initially suspended following an incident involving an illegal immigrant woman. This decision came after an investigation into footage that captured the woman falling during a dispute.
A video that went viral on September 25 featured Monica Moreta Galarza collapsing after being grabbed by the officer in a Manhattan immigration court. Although she was filmed falling backwards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reviewed the case and decided to bring the officer back after a preliminary evaluation, according to CBS News.
Tricia McLaughlin, a public assistant secretary for DHS, described the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable,” noting that ICE personnel are held to high standards. Initially, the officer was relieved of duties while a thorough investigation was conducted.
After reviewing the video, sources indicated that the officer was found not to have acted inappropriately. A post on social media confirmed that he had returned to full duty after the review.
The incident unfolded when Galarza and her daughter were attempting to hinder the arrest of her husband, an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador. Amid the chaos, one officer reportedly pulled her hair while attempting to detain her husband successfully.
Another video appeared to show Galarza reaching towards the officer as she requested his assistance in Spanish. Afterward, he ordered her out of the building.
According to CBS News, Galarza’s husband, Ruben Abelardo Ortiz-Lopez, had previously been arrested in June for various offenses. Like his wife, he is also facing deportation proceedings.
A DHS official conveyed that the agency intends to take a firm stance against illegal immigration and related crimes, emphasizing that violating the law would lead to arrest and deportation.
In the wake of this incident, New York Rep. Dan Goldman has called for a thorough investigation, suggesting possible criminal charges against the involved officer, whom he accused of employing excessive force.
ICE and DHS have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.
