Local Congress members inspect ICE holding facility in Lower Manhattan
LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) -- Two members of Congress visited 26 Federal Plaza for a closer look at the alleged inhumane immigration practices happening inside.
State Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez say they waited in the lobby for an hour and then were denied access to the 10th floor of the immigration courthouse.
According to immigration advocates they have been informed that conditions within in detainment facility are potentially hazardous including too many people being held in a small space, and that they have questions they want answered about people being held there.
This comes after Saturday when an anti-ICE protest turned to clashes with the NYPD - police say 22 people were taken into custody.
The protestors were voicing concerns about ICE detainments, particularly as officials say many immigrants are coming to the courthouses for scheduled appearances, only to be apprehended immediately afterword.
"What is it that they're hiding? They are apprehending people that are following the rules," said Velazquez.
DHS released a statement Sunday saying,
"26 Federal Plaza is not a detention center. It is a Federal building with an ICE office inside of it. These two members of Congress showed up unannounced and demanded entry while law enforcement operations were being conducted. They were told by ICE that they would be happy to give them a tour with a little more notice, when it would not disrupt ongoing law enforcement activities and sensitive law enforcement items could be put away. We will always prioritize the safety of our officers and operations."
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