❓WHAT HAPPENED: Over a dozen Democrat officials were arrested during a protest at a New York City immigration holding facility.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: City Comptroller Brad Lander, state lawmakers, local advocates, and federal agents.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York City.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.” – Tricia McLaughlin
🎯IMPACT: The arrests highlight ongoing tensions between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pro-illegal immigrant Democrats.
Over a dozen Democrat officials were arrested on Thursday while protesting and attempting to gain entry at an illegal immigrant holding facility in New York City. The protest came after a federal judge extended a court order requiring better treatment of detainees. Among the 77 people detained at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan were city Comptroller Brad Lander (D) and several state lawmakers. Eleven officials were arrested inside the building while attempting to enter the 10th floor under the auspices of inspecting holding rooms.
The arrested officials claim they sought to determine if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was complying with a preliminary injunction issued Wednesday. The injunction requires ICE to limit capacity, maintain cleanliness, and provide detainees with basic necessities. Federal agents, however, barred access to the holding rooms and arrested the officials during a sit-in. The building was later locked down due to a bomb threat.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Comptroller Lander, stating, “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.”
Lander, who was previously arrested at the facility in June, denied the allegations and accused ICE of failing to comply with federal court orders. State Senator Jabari Brisport (D) described the conditions as “disgusting and cowardly” and accused officials of blocking visibility into the holding areas.
Outside the building, dozens of protesters, including open borders advocates and liberal faith leaders, were also arrested. Protesters carried signs opposing ICE and criticized the agency for alleged inhumane treatment. U.S. District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan’s injunction requires ICE to provide detainees with adequate space, hygiene products, and confidential legal communication. The injunction follows complaints from detainees about unsanitary conditions and inedible food.
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