Mayor Eric Adams reported that an envelope with white powder was discovered on Thursday at an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New York City.
Adams shared preliminary information regarding the situation at 26 federal locations where such envelopes were found. He reassured New Yorkers via a social media post, stating, “I want to reassure you that there are no known injuries at this time.”
He further mentioned that officials are waiting for test results and that the Hazmat team from the New York City Fire Department is present to ensure safety within and outside the building.
According to the New York City Fire Department, they received a report about the white powder around 3:55 PM on the ninth floor, prompting an evacuation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Fire Department confirmed that Hazmat teams were assigned for ongoing operations related to the incident.
Deputy Mayor Kazu Doutley stated that both local and federal authorities are investigating the matter. He noted his personal monitoring of the situation alongside Mayor Adams and Deputy Management Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. Doutley advised the public to avoid the area and wait for official updates.
Concerns about conditions at the ICE facility in downtown Manhattan have been raised by civil rights groups, including recent protests held in front of the building.
On Tuesday, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered ICE to improve the conditions within the immigration facilities, citing inadequate access to legal assistance and medication, as well as extreme temperatures.
The Justice Department acknowledged that detainees are receiving only two meals per day and lacking necessary medication or bedding. However, federal officials, including Homeland Security spokesman Tricia McLaughlin, have disputed these claims, asserting that the allegations of poor conditions are “decisively false.”
Judge Kaplan remarked on the significant discrepancies between ICE’s stated standards and the actual conditions reported.
Additionally, a federal judge mandated that ICE provide certain items to detainees upon request, such as bedding mats, extra blankets, clean clothes, feminine hygiene products, and access to medical care.
