Mayor to Investigate Conditions at Federal Detention Center
On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to “examine” the situation at 26 Federal Plaza following lawsuits from advocacy groups regarding “inhumane treatment” at an ICE facility.
A video released by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) showcased a crowded detention cell in lower Manhattan, displaying numerous asylum seekers using blankets as makeshift beds.
“We’re going to look into it. It caught our attention yesterday, and I’ve spoken with the staff chief and team to understand what’s happening there based on the video shared,” the mayor said during an unrelated press event.
The NYIC alleges that detainees often go “a week at a time” without showers or access to medication and receive minimal food.
“The conditions on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza represent a clear violation of human rights. I’m really concerned about the video that shows individuals restrained on a dirty floor, sharing a bathroom with nearly 30 others, and experiencing substandard medical treatment,” a spokesperson for the group expressed.
Initially responding to inquiries about the footage, the mayor mentioned that his hands were tied, given that the city may not have oversight over the facility. He noted, “Did you realize it was a federal building?” when questioned.
City leaders like Jumaane Williams and Comptroller Brad Lander are pushing for inspections by city departments, including buildings and fire services, of the immigration enforcement facilities.
However, the Department of Buildings (DOB) indicated that their inspectors lack authority to examine federal properties, although they confirmed earlier complaints related to an elevator issue last year.
Spokesman Andrew Rudansky mentioned uncertainty regarding the lack of inspections for the reported violations last year.
Williams and Lander are sending letters to the DOB and FDNY commissioners, asserting that the city still has the right to inspect these federal buildings.
“Given the evident risk to human life posed by conditions on the 10th floor, which might breach urban zoning and safety codes, the DOB and FDNY must urgently exercise their authority to ensure compliance with the law,” their correspondence stated.
Proponents claim the site operates more as a detention facility rather than a “processing center.”
If classified as a detention center, local council members would have legal grounds to inspect it. According to a 2019 law, some lawmakers, including New York officials and Jerry Nadler, have made repeated attempts to access the facility recently.
In response, Homeland Security Director Tricia McLaughlin clarified, “26 Federal Plaza is not a detention center; it’s a processing center where undocumented individuals are temporarily held before being sent to ICE facilities.” She further refuted claims of overcrowded or unacceptable conditions, asserting that all detainees have access to appropriate meals, medical treatment, and the chance to communicate with family and legal representatives.
