Inside the Courthouse: How Pulitzer‑Winner Carol Guzy Uses “Visual Empathy” to Document New York’s Immigration Detentions

Published on 10 Frames Per Second Blog – Your source for photojournalism insights

📚 Overview – Episode 172: Carol Guzy

In the latest episode of 10 Frames Per Second, hosts Joe Giordano & Molly Roberts sit down with Carol Guzy, a four‑time Pulitzer‑Prize‑winning photojournalist, to discuss her groundbreaking work inside a New York City courthouse that has become the only U.S. courtroom where photographers are allowed to capture ICE‑related family separations.

If you’re a photographer, journalist, activist, or anyone curious about how visual storytelling can drive social change, this post breaks down the interview’s most compelling moments, the ethical challenges Carol Guzy faces, and practical ways you can support or emulate her approach.

• Carol Guzy photojournalist
• Immigration detention NYC courthouse
• Visual empathy in photojournalism
• ICE raids New York
• Family separation photography
• 10 Frames Per Second podcast
• Pulitzer‑Prize photojournalism
• How to document immigration raids

1️⃣ Who Is Carol Guzy?

Why she matters: Carol’s “visual empathy” blends her nursing instincts with journalistic rigor, allowing her to capture intimate, humane moments in high‑tension environments.

2️⃣ Carol Guzy on the Unique NYC Courthouse Access

• Only U.S. courthouse that permits photography in hallways/elevators (courtesy of a lawyer’s petition by a photographer named Wiley).
• Public‑space rule: Hallways and elevator banks are considered public, not part of the federal building’s “restricted” zones.
• Limitations: No access to interior courtrooms, detention floors, or ICE‑specific offices.

“It’s the only courthouse in the country that allows us this level of access – and it’s strictly limited to the hallways.” – Carol Guzy

Why This Matters for SEO

Search intent: People looking for “photographer access NYC courthouse” or “how to get permission to shoot in immigration courts” will find this post valuable because it explains the legal precedent and the practical constraints.

3️⃣ Visual Empathy: Carol Guzy From Nursing to Photojournalism

The Core Idea

Visual empathy = “Seeing with a compassionate heart while staying objective.”

• Nursing training taught Carol to be hands‑on, compassionate, and emotionally aware.
• She applies the same mindset to photography: listen, observe, protect the subject’s dignity.

Practical Tips (From Carol Guzy’s Playbook)

• Leave bias at the door – focus on the story, not personal politics.
• Maintain a protective emotional barrier – let feelings settle before shooting.
• Follow families beyond the courthouse – capture life at home, after reunions, to humanize the narrative.

Quick Checklist

• ☐ Verify legal access (court petition, attorney guidance)
• ☐ Prepare emotionally (breathing exercises, quick debriefs)
• ☐ Carry minimal gear for speed (camera, lens, backup batteries)
• ☐ Respect privacy – ask before photographing children when possible

4️⃣ The Emotional Toll & Self‑Care

• Physical strain: Standing for hours, lugging gear, dealing with unpredictable schedules.
• Emotional strain: Witnessing children crying, family separations, and occasional aggression from agents.
• Coping mechanisms:
  • Dogs – Carol says her pets are a lifeline.
  • Community support: Friends offering couch‑surfing, churches (St. Peter’s) providing meals and legal aid.
  • Professional debriefs: Talking with fellow photographers, taking breaks when needed.

“It’s crushing to see these kids, but the mission to document keeps me going.” – Carol Guzy

5️⃣ Balancing Dignity & Documentation

Challenges

• Flash photography from other journalists can feel invasive.
• Maintaining subject dignity while filming in a distressing environment.

Carol Guzy’s Approach

1. Stay in the hallways – capture moments without intruding on private moments.
2. Follow families later – provide a more rounded, respectful portrait.
3. Use captions wisely – avoid activist language; let images speak.

Best‑Practice Summary

6️⃣ Community & Legal Support Systems

• St. Peter’s Church (Pastor Fabian Arias): Daily mass for migrants, legal clinics, and emotional support.
• Court observers & volunteers: Peter Malk‑Cattell, lawyers, and social workers guide families through the process.
• Political allies: Congressman Dan Goldman and NYC Councilmember Brad Lander help push for legislative change.

Takeaway: Photojournalism thrives when paired with grassroots advocacy; the images become evidence for legal battles and public awareness.

7️⃣ Impact of Carol Guzy’s Photos & Future Plans

• Public reaction: Hundreds of thank‑you messages from passersby; viral Instagram posts.
• Media outlets: Ongoing pitches to CNN, Miami Herald, and international wire services via Zuma Press.
• Dream project: A collaborative book/exhibit with the core group of photographers covering the courthouse.

“I want a collective book that shows the whole picture, not just a single photographer’s view.” – Carol Guzy

8️⃣ How to View Carol Guzy’s Work

9️⃣ Key Takeaways (Bullet Summary)

• Exclusive access to NYC courthouse hallways makes Carol Guzy’s work unique.
• Visual empathy fuses nursing compassion with journalistic objectivity.
• Emotional resilience is crucial; community, pets, and peers are essential supports.
• Dignity matters – follow subjects beyond the courtroom and caption responsibly.
• Collaboration with churches, lawyers, and legislators amplifies impact.
• Future vision: a collective photo book/exhibit to preserve this historic moment.

📣 How You Can Support Ethical Photojournalism

• Share responsibly: Repost Carol’s images with proper credit and context.
• Donate: To organizations like St. Peter’s Church migrant services or photojournalist grants (e.g., Alexia Foundation).
• Advocate: Write to local representatives demanding transparency in immigration courts.
• Educate: Use the term “visual empathy” when discussing image ethics in classrooms or workshop.

🎧 Missed the Podcast?Listen to the full conversation with Carol Guzy on 10 Frames Per Second – new episodes drop every Tuesday on 10fps.net or your favorite podcast platform.

Stay informed, stay compassionate, and keep the images that matter alive.

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