NEW YORK (AP) — Over a dozen elected officials faced arrest on Thursday while protesting the unacceptable conditions at a New York City immigration holding facility. This protest follows a federal judge's ruling requiring the government to improve treatment of detainees.
Eleven officials, including prominent figures like City Comptroller Brad Lander, attempted to inspect holding rooms on the 10th floor of the government’s 26 Federal Plaza building in Manhattan. Their aim was to ensure compliance with a preliminary injunction issued just a day earlier, demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rectify overcrowding and squalid conditions.
Lander, who has been a frequent advocate for reform, previously faced arrest at the same location while linking arms with a detainee. He was detained for a short period before being released.
Additionally, officials such as City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were among those arrested outside the building. In total, more than 75 individuals were detained during the protest, highlighting the urgent call for action regarding immigrant treatment in holding facilities.}
Eleven officials, including prominent figures like City Comptroller Brad Lander, attempted to inspect holding rooms on the 10th floor of the government’s 26 Federal Plaza building in Manhattan. Their aim was to ensure compliance with a preliminary injunction issued just a day earlier, demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rectify overcrowding and squalid conditions.
Lander, who has been a frequent advocate for reform, previously faced arrest at the same location while linking arms with a detainee. He was detained for a short period before being released.
Additionally, officials such as City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were among those arrested outside the building. In total, more than 75 individuals were detained during the protest, highlighting the urgent call for action regarding immigrant treatment in holding facilities.}
