Honduran National Charged With Assaulting Federal Security Officer And Attempting To Seize Firearm At 26 Federal Plaza

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, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging JOEL ANTONIO ALONZO with assaulting a federal protective security officer and attempting to seize the officer’s service firearm.  The incident occurred on June 6, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, where Immigration Court proceedings are conducted.  The defendant is was presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Barabara Moses.

“The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Joel Antonio Alonzo’s alleged attempt to forcibly seize a firearm from a federal security officer in a crowded public area endangered not only law enforcement personnel but also civilians, including children, nearby.  We will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who threatens the safety of our communities and the federal officers sworn to protect them.”

“Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.  “This incident underscores a disturbing trend—assaults against ICE personnel have increased.  Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:^[1]

On or about June 6, 2025, ALONZO arrived in the proximity of Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza where civilians, including children, were present.  ALONZO immediately exhibited disruptive behavior, forcing his way ahead of others and aggressively tossing papers at service window personnel.

While federal protective security officers were attempting to assist ALONZO, ALONZO suddenly lunged at one officer and grabbed his loaded service firearm with significant force, attempting to pull the firearm from its holster, as seen in the photo below.

Due to the quick actions and training of the federal protective security officers, ALONZO was unsuccessful and immediately restrained.

*                *                *

ALONZO, 19, of Honduras, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.