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Lawmakers arrested demanding entry to immigrant detention at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Sep 18, 2025
Modified Sep 19, 2025
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Spencer Platt/Getty Images
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Sep 18, 2025
Modified Sep 19, 2025
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Eleven New York City elected officials were arrested by Department of Homeland Security officers on Thursday afternoon in a protest over immigration enforcement at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Lower Manhattan.
The elected officials, mainly members of the state Senate and Assembly, refused to leave the premises after being refused entry into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding rooms for detained immigrants on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza. All 11 officials were released shortly after their arrest.
The scene inside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Thursday. State lawmakers and City Comptroller Brad Lander were arrested after being denied access to immigrant detention holding areas and refusing to leave.
Arya Sundaram/Gothamist
The massive building, home to federal government operations including immigration court, has been a flashpoint in President Donald Trump administration's "mass deportation" initiative. Increasingly under Trump, immigrants have been arrested by ICE agents after leaving immigration court hearings at the site, and detained in holding rooms on the 10th floor.
Immigrants' rights advocates have sued the Trump administration, contending that conditions in the 10th floor holding areas are cramped and "inhumane." A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in the case on Wednesday, ordering ICE to improve conditions at the site, including by providing additional meals and regular, confidential legal calls. The requirements first went into effect through a temporary restraining order issued in August, and were extended indefinitely.
City Comptroller Brad Lander was among the officials who were arrested. Lander was previously arrested by federal officers at an immigration court in the same building when he was escorting an immigrant man to the exit after his court hearing.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin decried the elected officials’ actions in a statement, singling out Lander.
“Another day, another activist politician pulling a stunt in an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees,” McLaughlin said, adding that Lander “proceeded to obstruct law enforcement and cause a scene.”
McLaughlin also said the building was also on “lockdown” because of a bomb threat called in over the phone.
Other elected officials who were arrested included State Sens. Julia Salazar, Jabari Brisport and Gustavo Rivera, and Assemblymembers Robert Carroll, Emily Gallagher, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Marcela Mitaynes, Claire Valdez, Tony Simone and Steven Raga.
Several New York City Congress members — including Reps. Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velazquez, and Jerry Nadler — have also sought to inspect the holding cells in recent months and were denied entry. While members of Congress are legally entitled to inspect ICE detention centers, ICE officials have claimed that the holding area is instead an off-limits "processing center" for immigrants being sent to other facilities.
In July, Espaillat and Goldman, along with 10 other Congress members, sued the Trump administration to gain access to the holding cells. That case is pending before a federal judge.
As elected officials were arrested inside 26 Federal Plaza, dozens of protesters outside blocked vans from leaving the building. Seventy-one protesters were arrested outside the building, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Among those arrested outside were faith leaders, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and City Councilmembers Sandy Nurse and Tiffany Caban.
The arrests inside the building came after an hour-long confrontation between federal officers and the 11 elected officials. The officials banged on locked doors and repeatedly requested entry, before eventually sitting down to chant, sing, and unfold a banner that read: “NYers against ICE."
“If there is nothing to hide, why wouldn’t you allow us to observe?” Brooklyn Assemblymember Carroll asked a federal officer, whose back was turned to the group of 11 elected officials.
“If you refuse to leave under federal regulations, you’re going to be arrested,” one DHS officer said. “You’re violating the law right now, and you’re protesting illegally."
While seated, the elected officials shared their reasons for protesting. Some of the officials represent areas with large immigrant populations. They recounted stories of residents and workers who had been arrested by ICE.
“They are destroying our community,” Assemblymember Mitaynes — who represents a large swath of Sunset Park — said in Spanish, through tears. “Our neighbors are disappearing. And we can’t let this continue.”
The elected officials also called on state representatives to pass the New York for All Act, which would largely prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from collaborating with ICE. They also called for city council members to pass the New York City Trust Act, which would create a private right of action allowing individuals to sue the city for violations of sanctuary laws barring the use of city resources for federal immigration law enforcement.
This article was updated with additional information.
Tagged
Politics
immigration
manhattan
public safety
Arya Sundaram
Arya is a reporter covering race and justice. Got a tip? Email: [email protected] or reach Arya on Signal at 512-650-8767.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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