The World Press Photo 2026 award has been presented to Carol Guzy for her powerful documentation of migrant family separations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Guzy’s winning image captures the emotional toll of immigration enforcement, depicting a family torn apart during an ICE operation. The photograph has been widely recognized for its human impact and journalistic depth.
The award underscores ongoing global attention to immigration policies and their consequences, particularly in the United States. Guzy’s function continues a legacy of using visual storytelling to highlight critical humanitarian issues.
Her reporting, which focuses on the lived experiences of migrants facing detention and separation, was selected from thousands of entries worldwide. The World Press Photo jury cited the image’s clarity, composition, and emotional resonance as key factors in their decision.
This year’s recognition brings renewed focus to the intersection of photography, human rights, and public policy. Guzy’s achievement marks another milestone in her distinguished career as a photojournalist committed to bearing witness on the front lines of social change.
