United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, along with Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, announced the arrest and filing of a complaint against Bass Ndiaye. Ndiaye is charged with assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers using a deadly weapon. The incident took place on July 18, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City during immigration processing.
Jay Clayton stated, “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.” He emphasized the importance of prosecuting those who threaten the safety of federal law enforcement and communities.
Tricia McLaughlin added that Ndiaye was arrested as an illegal alien from Senegal on July 17. She mentioned that while in custody, he attempted to stab law enforcement officers and others nearby. McLaughlin highlighted the rising attacks on law enforcement and expressed support for those working to remove criminal illegal aliens.
According to allegations in the complaint, on July 18 at around 6:00 p.m., Ndiaye seized scissors in a processing room at 26 Federal Plaza. He allegedly began slashing them in the air and moved aggressively toward security guards, ICE officers, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, and other detainees. Officers quickly restrained him.
Ndiaye, aged 22 from Senegal, faces one count of assaulting an officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The case is being managed by the Office’s General Crimes Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Arffa leading the prosecution.
The charges are accusations only; Ndiaye is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
