The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, alongside Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, announced charges against Joel Antonio Alonzo. Alonzo is accused of assaulting a federal protective security officer and attempting to seize the officer’s firearm at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City on June 6, 2025.
Jay Clayton emphasized the importance of safety in federal facilities: “The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” he stated. He further noted that Alonzo’s alleged actions endangered law enforcement personnel and civilians nearby. Clayton assured that they would prosecute anyone threatening community safety and federal officers to the full extent of the law.
Tricia McLaughlin commented on a broader issue: “Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun,” she said. She highlighted a disturbing trend of increasing assaults against ICE personnel and reiterated Secretary Noem’s stance on prosecuting threats against federal officers.
According to allegations in the Complaint, on June 6, 2025, Alonzo exhibited disruptive behavior near Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza. He forced his way ahead of others and aggressively tossed papers at service window personnel before lunging at an officer and attempting to seize his loaded firearm. The quick response from security officers prevented him from succeeding.
Alonzo, aged 19 from Honduras, faces one count of assaulting a U.S. officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. However, sentencing will be determined by a judge upon conviction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is handling this case under the Office’s General Crimes Unit. It is important to note that these charges are accusations; Alonzo remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
