Senegalese National Charged With Assaulting Federal Officers At 26 Federal Plaza

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging BASS NDIAYE with assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) officers and using a deadly and dangerous weapon.  The incident occurred on July 18, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, where immigration processing is conducted.  The defendant was presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Ona Wang.

“Bass Ndiaye’s alleged attempt to attack multiple ICE officers by wielding a dangerous weapon endangered numerous members of law enforcement and nearly a dozen civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “The safety of federal law enforcement and the communities they protect is paramount, and we will prosecute those who threaten that safety to the full extent of the law.”

“ICE arrested Bass Ndiaye—an illegal alien from Senegal—on July 17,” said DHS Assistant Secretray Tricia McLaughlin.  “While in custody, he attempted to stab law enforcement officers and others surrounding him.  Now, this dangerous criminal will face justice for his violent actions.  Make no mistake: attacks on law enforcement are on the rise.  Secretary Noem stands with the brave men and women of law enforcement as they risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens and protect Americans.”

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

On or about July 18, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., NDIAYE was being processed at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, and awaiting transport to an immigration detention center.

While in the processing room, NDIAYE seized a pair of scissors.  NDIAYE began slashing the scissors in the air and wielding them as a weapon, moving aggressively toward and attempting to stab several security guards, ICE officers, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, and the approximately dozen other detainees in the room, among others.

Due to the quick actions and training of the officers and security guards in the area, NDIAYE was ultimately restrained.

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NDIAYE, 22, of Senegal, 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 Leslie Arffa 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.