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72-Year-Old Activist Pepper-Sprayed by ICE Agent in Manhattan, Sues Under New Law

Aug 3, 2026 · New York, NY

72-Year-Old Activist Pepper-Sprayed by ICE Agent in Manhattan, Sues Under New Law

Linda Wolff, a 72-year-old fashion stylist and longtime immigrant rights supporter, was pepper-sprayed by a masked ICE agent while filming federal agents near Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan. Wolff had gone to the area after learning of ICE's presence on social media and was recording near a community garden when an agent approached and sprayed her without any physical altercation. She said her eyes and skin burned afterward but continued documenting ICE activity in the neighborhood. Her attorney says she was exercising her First Amendment rights and has filed a claim against ICE under New York's newly enacted Bivens Act, allowing individuals to sue federal immigration agents in state court, in what he called one of the first tests of the statute. DHS said agents used pepper spray to control a crowd that became 'combative and verbally assaultive' while recovering a vandalized government van, adding that agents acted within their training using only minimal force.

Timeline

Aug 3, 2026Wolff files claim against ICE agent, becoming first to sue under New York's new law permitting suits against federal immigration agents
Jul 30, 2026Linda Wolff pepper-sprayed by masked ICE agent while filming enforcement operation near Inwood Hill Park

Sources

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