The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, have announced the arrest and charging of Joel Antonio Alonzo. Alonzo is accused of assaulting a federal protective security officer and attempting to seize the officer’s firearm. The incident took place on June 6, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City during Immigration Court proceedings. Alonzo appeared before Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses.
“The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. He emphasized that Alonzo’s alleged actions endangered both law enforcement personnel and civilians present at the scene. Clayton affirmed that anyone threatening community safety or federal officers will face full legal prosecution.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted an increase in assaults against ICE personnel, stating: “Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun.” She reiterated Secretary Noem’s stance that such threats against federal officers would be prosecuted fully.
According to allegations in the Complaint:
On June 6, 2025, Alonzo arrived near Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza where he displayed disruptive behavior by forcing his way ahead and throwing papers aggressively at service window staff. When federal protective security officers intervened to assist him, Alonzo reportedly lunged at one officer and attempted to grab his loaded firearm with significant force. Thanks to their quick response and training, officers restrained him immediately.
Alonzo, a 19-year-old from Honduras, faces charges of assaulting a U.S. officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon—a charge carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as prescribed by Congress. Any actual sentencing will be determined by a judge.
This case is being managed by the Office’s General Crimes Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel leading the prosecution.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations only; Alonzo is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
