New York Democrats demand oversight of migrant detention conditions after a federal judge cites overcrowding, unsanitary practices, and constitutional violations.
Inside the building, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and 10 state legislators were zip-tied and escorted out after demanding to inspect the 10th-floor holding rooms, which migrants describe as overcrowded and unsanitary. Outside, larger demonstrations resulted in additional arrests, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and a City Council member.
The confrontation unfolded just one day after U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ordered federal officials to address “unconstitutional and inhumane treatment” of migrants detained at the facility, citing evidence of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and prolonged detentions in violation of federal law.
Inside the Federal Building: Lawmakers vs. ICE
Lawmakers knocked on locked doors, sang protest songs, and staged a sit-in under a banner reading “NYers Against ICE” before federal agents charged them with loitering.
“There are federal laws and local laws being broken behind these doors,” Lander said. “Our neighbors are being illegally held and detained longer than allowed.”
Federal officers, reinforced by Homeland Security agents, responded by detaining the group, including State Sens. Gustavo Rivera and Julia Salazar.
Street Demonstrations and Mass Arrests
Simultaneously, outside, more than 70 protesters — whom DHS labeled “agitators and sanctuary politicians” — were arrested as they blocked entrances, waved signs, and chanted “ICE out of New York!” The building was placed on temporary lockdown after a bomb threat.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused local officials of “staging stunts” to gain media attention. “Brad Lander showed up unannounced with agitators and media, obstructed law enforcement, and refused to leave until detainees were released,” McLaughlin said.
A Pattern of Escalation Nationwide
Thursday’s arrests are the latest in a string of high-profile clashes between local officials and federal authorities:
- In June, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was removed from a DHS press conference after pressing for access to migrant facilities.
- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at a New Jersey detention center, while Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) faces felony charges for allegedly assaulting officers during the same protest.
- House Democrats, including Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velázquez, and Jerry Nadler, have joined a lawsuit alleging that DHS policies limiting oversight access are illegal.
DHS insists the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza is a “processing center,” not a detention site, and therefore exempt from congressional or state oversight. However, Democrats argue that the space functions as a de facto detention facility.
Witnesses reported that officers sealed doors with tape and bound handles shut as lawmakers attempted to enter.
As the legal battle intensifies, 26 Federal Plaza has become a symbol not only of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement but also of the growing rift between federal authorities and local officials determined to expose migrant detention conditions.
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-- By John James
Jasmine Thomas contributed to this report.
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