Key Takeaways
• Mamadou, a gay asylum seeker from Guinea, was detained by ICE outside a NYC immigration court in June 2025.
• ICE arrests at New York immigration courts have risen sharply in 2025, causing fear among immigrants.
• Political figure Brad Lander was also detained by ICE at 26 Federal Plaza on June 17, 2025.
A man from Guinea was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside an immigration court in Lower Manhattan in late June 2025, just three weeks after marrying his husband and days before Pride celebrations. The man, known as Mamadou, is now being held at an ICE facility, facing possible deportation to Guinea 🇬🇳, where homosexuality is illegal and LGBT people face severe persecution. His husband, Fitz Smith, has spoken out about his fears for Mamadou’s safety if he is forced to return to Guinea, where the risks include violence and even death.
This incident is not isolated. It highlights a growing pattern of ICE agents arresting immigrants at or near immigration courts in New York City, raising serious concerns among immigrant communities, legal advocates, and public officials. The practice, which had become less common in recent years, has returned in 2025, creating fear and uncertainty for those seeking justice and safety in the United States 🇺🇸.
ICE Agents Detain Guinea Asylum Seeker Outside Immigration Court
Mamadou’s story began in 2023 when he fled Guinea 🇬🇳 after his family discovered he was gay. In Guinea, being gay is a crime, and LGBT people face harsh treatment, including violence and discrimination. Human rights groups like the Human Rights Campaign have documented cases where LGBT individuals in Guinea have been attacked, arrested, or even killed because of their sexual orientation.
When Mamadou arrived in the United States 🇺🇸, he was first stopped by border patrol agents in Lukeville, Arizona. He asked for asylum, hoping to find safety and a new life. Over the next two years, he built a life in New York City, eventually marrying his partner, Fitz Smith, in June 2025. But just weeks after their wedding, Mamadou was detained by ICE agents outside the immigration court in Lower Manhattan, where he had gone to attend a hearing about his case.
His detention came at a particularly emotional time, just before Pride events in New York City, which celebrate the rights and visibility of LGBT people. Fitz Smith has described the experience as terrifying, fearing that Mamadou could be sent back to Guinea 🇬🇳, where he would be in grave danger.
A Pattern of ICE Arrests at Immigration Courts
Mamadou’s case is part of a larger trend. In recent months, there has been a notable increase in ICE arrests at or near immigration courts in New York City. These arrests have taken place in elevators, lobbies, and just outside courthouses, including at 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick St, and 290 Broadway. Immigrants who come to court for their hearings—often to comply with legal requirements—now worry that they could be detained by ICE agents waiting nearby.
This tactic was widely used during the Trump administration and has resurfaced in 2025. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the return of these tactics has caused fear among immigrants, making some afraid to attend their own court hearings. When immigrants miss their hearings, they can be ordered deported by default, even if they have strong cases for staying in the United States 🇺🇸.
Legal advocates have also reported that ICE lawyers sometimes ask judges to dismiss the cases of certain immigrants. Once the case is dismissed, ICE agents can immediately detain the person, often right outside the courtroom. This practice has led to confusion and fear, as immigrants and their families struggle to understand what is happening and what their rights are.
High-Profile Incident: Brad Lander’s Detention
The issue of ICE arrests at immigration courts gained even more attention on June 17, 2025, when New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was handcuffed and detained by ICE agents at 26 Federal Plaza. Lander was there to escort migrants from their immigration hearings when he was detained. His arrest drew widespread public and political attention, with many people condemning ICE’s aggressive tactics.
Lander’s wife later spoke about the experience, noting the difference between his treatment as a U.S. citizen and the much greater risks faced by immigrants. While Lander was quickly released, immigrants in similar situations can face long detentions and the threat of being separated from their families, often without clear explanations or legal support.
The Impact on Immigrants and Their Families
For people like Mamadou, the stakes are incredibly high. If he is deported to Guinea 🇬🇳, he could face violence, arrest, or even death because of his sexual orientation. Guinea’s laws against homosexuality are strict, and LGBT people there often have no protection from abuse. Human rights organizations have documented cases of stoning, burning, and other forms of violence against LGBT individuals in Guinea.
The fear of being detained at court also affects many other immigrants. Some may decide not to attend their hearings, which can lead to automatic deportation orders. Others may feel forced to hide or avoid contact with the legal system, making it harder for them to defend their rights or seek protection.
Families are often caught in the middle. When a loved one is detained by ICE, families can be separated for months or even years. Children may lose a parent, and spouses may be left alone to cope with the emotional and financial stress. The uncertainty and fear can be overwhelming, especially for those who have already fled dangerous situations in their home countries.
Legal and Policy Implications
The renewed practice of detaining immigrants at court hearings raises serious questions about fairness and justice in the immigration system. Legal advocates argue that these tactics undermine trust in the courts and discourage people from seeking legal help. When immigrants are afraid to go to court, they lose the chance to present their cases and defend their rights.
Asylum seekers like Mamadou are especially vulnerable. Asylum is a form of protection for people who have fled their home countries because of persecution based on things like race, religion, political beliefs, or, as in Mamadou’s case, sexual orientation. The United States 🇺🇸 has laws and international agreements that are supposed to protect asylum seekers from being sent back to places where they could be harmed.
However, when ICE agents detain people at court, it can make it much harder for asylum seekers to get a fair hearing. Some may be deported before their cases are fully heard, while others may give up out of fear. Legal experts and human rights groups have called for reforms to ensure that immigrants can attend court without the risk of immediate detention.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigrant Defense Organizations
Groups like the Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) have issued alerts and provided legal support to people facing ICE arrests at courts. They argue that these tactics create a “chilling effect,” making immigrants afraid to seek justice or comply with the law. The IDP and similar organizations are pushing for changes to protect immigrants’ rights and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to present their case.
Human Rights Groups
Human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, have highlighted the specific dangers faced by LGBT asylum seekers from countries like Guinea 🇬🇳. They urge the U.S. government to uphold its commitments to protect vulnerable populations and to stop practices that put people at risk of harm or death.
Political Leaders
Political figures such as Brad Lander have used their own experiences to call for more humane immigration enforcement policies. Lander and others argue that ICE’s current tactics are too harsh and that there needs to be greater oversight of how immigration laws are enforced, especially in places like New York City where many immigrants live and work.
The Broader Context: Immigration Enforcement in 2025
The return of aggressive ICE tactics at immigration courts is part of a larger debate about immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸. While some argue that strict enforcement is necessary to uphold the law, others believe that the current approach is too harsh and puts vulnerable people at risk.
In 2025, the political climate in New York City and across the country is deeply divided on immigration issues. Incidents like Mamadou’s detention and Brad Lander’s arrest have brought renewed attention to the way ICE operates and the impact on immigrant communities.
Advocacy groups are pushing for legislative and administrative reforms to protect immigrant rights and ensure due process. Some proposals include:
- Banning ICE arrests at or near immigration courts, so that immigrants can attend hearings without fear.
- Providing legal representation for all immigrants in court, to help them understand their rights and options.
- Improving oversight of ICE practices, to ensure that enforcement is fair and humane.
What Happens Next for Mamadou?
As of July 1, 2025, Mamadou remains detained at an ICE facility, waiting for further immigration proceedings or possible deportation. His legal team and supporters are working to stop his removal and to highlight the dangers he would face if sent back to Guinea 🇬🇳.
ICE has not announced any changes to its current practices, and arrests at immigration courts in New York City continue. The situation remains tense, with ongoing advocacy efforts and public debate about the best way to balance immigration enforcement with human rights protections.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Their Families
If you or someone you know is facing an immigration court hearing in New York City or elsewhere, it’s important to be aware of the risks and to seek legal help. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact a legal aid organization or immigration lawyer before your court date. They can help you understand your rights and prepare for your hearing.
- Know your rights if approached by ICE agents. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
- Stay informed about changes in immigration policy and enforcement practices. Organizations like the Immigrant Defense Project provide updates and alerts about ICE activity in and around courts.
- If you are an LGBT asylum seeker from a country like Guinea 🇬🇳, seek support from groups that specialize in LGBT rights and asylum cases. The Human Rights Campaign and other organizations offer resources and assistance.
For more information about your rights and how to prepare for immigration court, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on immigration court hearings.
Resources for Legal and Emotional Support
- Immigrant Defense Project (IDP): Offers legal support and information about ICE arrests at courts. immigrantdefenseproject.org
- Human Rights Campaign: Provides resources for LGBT asylum seekers and information about persecution in countries like Guinea 🇬🇳. humanrightscampaign.org
- Local Legal Aid Organizations: Many cities have groups that can help immigrants with legal advice, representation, and support during detention or court proceedings.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle for Justice and Safety
Mamadou’s detention by ICE agents outside an immigration court in Lower Manhattan is a powerful example of the challenges faced by asylum seekers from countries like Guinea 🇬🇳. The return of aggressive ICE tactics in 2025 has created new fears for immigrants and their families, especially those who are already at risk because of their identity or background.
The debate over immigration enforcement and human rights continues, with advocates, legal experts, and political leaders calling for reforms to protect the most vulnerable. For now, the best protection for immigrants is to stay informed, seek legal help, and connect with organizations that can offer support.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in New York City and across the United States 🇺🇸 remains uncertain, but the voices of those affected—like Mamadou and his husband Fitz Smith—are helping to shine a light on the urgent need for change. The outcome of cases like Mamadou’s will shape the future of immigration policy and the lives of countless people seeking safety and justice in a new country.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining immigrants.
Asylum Seeker → A person seeking protection in another country due to persecution in their homeland.
Deportation → The forced removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws.
Immigration Court → A specialized court where immigration cases like asylum and deportation are heard.
Human Rights Campaign → An organization advocating for the rights and protection of LGBT individuals globally.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, ICE detained Mamadou, a gay asylum seeker from Guinea, outside a New York court. This highlights renewed ICE arrests near courts, sparking fear among immigrants, and raising concerns over deportations to dangerous countries like Guinea, where LGBT individuals face brutal persecution and violence.
— By VisaVerge.com
