NYPD arrests 15 in Lower Manhattan protest against immigration enforcement tactics

About 15 immigrants’ advocates were arrested Friday morning during a protest outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, which has become a flashpoint over immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees.

The protesters were taken into custody after sitting in crosswalks and blocking traffic outside the building, which houses an immigration court, and where federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been arresting immigrants leaving court hearings.

The building also features holding areas — the subject of repeated inquiries from congressional Democrats — where immigrants and their lawyers have complained of “inhumane conditions,” including cramped quarters, lack of beds and inadequate food.

“Today was to protest the illegal detentions at 26 Federal Plaza and also the inhumane conditions that is happening on the detention on the 10th floor,” said Renata Pumarol, an organizer with the environmental advocacy group Climate Defenders.

Those arrested were part of a larger group of about 60 advocates, including clergy members of environmental groups, protesting the ICE arrests and conditions in the holding areas. The faith leaders tried to enter the building and view the holding areas on the 10th floor, but were turned away.

There was no immediate comment from the NYPD. Marie Ferguson, an ICE spokesperson, said in a statement that the agency “fully respects the constitutional rights of all people to peacefully express their opinions.”

She added, “ICE remains committed to performing its immigration enforcement mission consistent with federal law and agency policy."

Police took protesters into custody after they refused to move from the crosswalks and chanted, “Let them go or we stay, too!”

The building has been the site of several demonstrations by immigration advocates protesting ICE tactics. Immigration courthouse arrests, which were once rare, have become commonplace under the second Trump administration.

And while immigrant stays at 26 Federal Plaza previously lasted only hours, lawyers for detainees report detentions can now stretch over several days before detainees are moved to other facilities.

Congressional Democrats have also complained about conditions at 26 Federal Plaza and been denied entry to inspect the ICE holding rooms. New York Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman are among a group of 12 congressmembers who recently sued the Trump administration to gain access to the facility.