On September 18, 2025, a protest at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan turned chaotic as 77 individuals, including over a dozen elected officials, were arrested, the AP reported. 

The demonstration targeted alleged inhumane conditions at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holding facility. The building also houses immigration courts and the FBI’s New York field office.

The protest followed a federal judge’s preliminary injunction issued on Wednesday, ordering ICE to address overcrowding and provide basic necessities like soap and sleeping mats. Elected officials, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, aimed to inspect the facility’s 10th-floor holding rooms. Their attempt was blocked by federal agents, sparking a sit-in.

Agents used plastic ties to restrain the protesters, who were gathered around a sign with a slash through “ICE.” The officials were later given summonses and released. A bomb threat prompted a lockdown of the building shortly after the arrests.

Officials Demand Facility Oversight

Among those detained were prominent figures like Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, State Senator Julia Salazar, and City Council Member Tiffany Cabán. They sought to verify compliance with the court’s order to limit detainee capacity and ensure hygiene. Federal agents, however, barred entry to the holding rooms.

State Senator Jabari Brisport described immigration officials using zip ties to lock doors and duct tape to obscure visibility into the holding areas. “What I saw on the 10th floor today was both disgusting and cowardly,” Brisport said. His outrage ignores the logistical challenges ICE faces in managing high volumes of detainees.

Brisport further claimed officials laughed about their actions, adding, “They laughed, and I heard them laugh about what they were doing, and they should absolutely be ashamed of themselves.” Such accusations seem designed to inflame rather than address the complex realities of immigration enforcement under federal mandates.

Court Orders Spark Tensions

The protest stemmed from a lawsuit by immigrant and civil rights groups, highlighting deplorable conditions like inedible food and a “horrific stench” from open toilets. A temporary restraining order in July or August 2025 preceded the injunction. U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan mandated 50 square feet per detainee, slashing room capacity significantly.

Judge Kaplan, in his ruling, stated, “My conclusion here is that there is a very serious threat of continuing irreparable injury, given the conditions that I've been told about” (AP News). His order reflects judicial overreach, potentially undermining ICE’s ability to maintain order while addressing detainee needs.

The injunction required ICE to provide soap, towels, toothbrushes, and unmonitored legal phone access. Detainees had complained of being fed “slop” and enduring unsanitary conditions. These issues, while concerning, must be balanced against the agency’s duty to enforce immigration laws amid limited resources.

Political Stunt or Legitimate Concern?

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the protest, saying, “Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees.” Her point underscores how such actions can disrupt operations without offering practical solutions.

McLaughlin singled out Lander, accusing him of arriving unannounced with “agitators and media” and refusing to leave until detainees were released. “Lander’s obsession with attacking the brave men and women of law enforcement, physically and rhetorically, must stop NOW,” she added. Her rebuke highlights the tension between oversight and obstruction.

Lander, post-release, told reporters, “A federal judge has indicated that the federal law is not being followed — the conditions are cruel and inhumane, that ICE is not respecting their rights” (AP News). Yet, his dramatic sit-in risks politicizing a serious issue, potentially overshadowing genuine reform efforts.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

Lander also noted, “And no elected official or other oversight agency has been allowed in to see it” (AP News). His complaint sidesteps the need for secure, controlled access to sensitive federal facilities. Transparency is vital, but so is respecting operational protocols.

Heather Gregorio, a plaintiff lawyer, called the conditions “horrifying and unconscionable” (American Civil Liberties Union). Her statement amplifies the narrative of systemic failure, yet ignores the broader context of President Trump’s efforts to strengthen border security. The administration faces immense pressure to balance enforcement with humane treatment.

The clash at 26 Federal Plaza reveals a deeper divide: progressive demands for open oversight versus the federal government’s duty to maintain order. While detainee conditions demand scrutiny, theatrical protests risk escalating tensions without resolving the underlying challenges. A practical approach would prioritize funding and policy reform over public stunts.