Stephanie Keith Wins Polk Award for Documenting ICE Detentions at 26 Federal Plaza
Photojournalist Stephanie Keith has been awarded a George Polk Award for her impactful photojournalism documenting the detention of migrants at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. Her work, published by New York magazine in October 2025, brought to light the Trump administration’s immigration tactics and the human cost of these policies.
The Story Behind the Photos
For months, Keith documented the experiences of migrants appearing for routine court hearings who were unexpectedly detained by federal officers. Stationing herself on the 12th and 14th floors of 26 Federal Plaza, she captured over 25,000 images of individuals and families navigating the complex and often heartbreaking immigration process. Her photographs revealed scenes of shock and separation, as individuals were detained immediately after being informed of their next court date, and families were torn apart as reported by New York magazine.
From Protest to Courthouse: The Genesis of the Project
Keith’s project began after the reelection of Donald Trump and the anticipated expansion of ICE’s budget. Initially, she attempted to track ICE activity through alerts, but found limited success. A turning point came with a protest at the federal courthouse on Varick Street, where activists revealed that ICE was conducting arrests inside the building. This discovery led Keith to focus her attention on 26 Federal Plaza, recognizing it as a key location for observing the implementation of new immigration policies .
Navigating Access and Ethical Considerations
Documenting the situation presented logistical and ethical challenges. The narrow hallways and high volume of people created a chaotic environment. Keith had to strategically position herself to capture key moments, often relying on her instincts. She also grappled with the tension between her role as a documentarian and the deeply personal and traumatic experiences of her subjects. At one point, she shifted her approach to build rapport with individuals before their hearings, hoping to provide context and tell more complete stories as discussed in a Nieman Storyboard podcast.
Impact and Ongoing Work
Keith’s work has had a tangible impact on individual cases. Her photographs reportedly played a role in Jamal’s asylum case, bringing attention to his story. While his case is currently under appeal, the publicity generated by the photos has been beneficial. Another subject, a woman who had witnessed a gang murder in Ecuador, was released and reunited with her family, and her case set a precedent for others .
Despite a decrease in the number of detentions at the courthouse – attributed in part to migrants ceasing to appear for hearings – Keith plans to continue her work, expanding her focus to other immigration stories while also revisiting 26 Federal Plaza. She recognizes the issue as “a never-ending story” and remains committed to documenting the human consequences of immigration policy .