Federal officers arrested eleven Democratic officials Thursday at ICE’s Manhattan field office.
The arrests followed their attempt to inspect holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza.
The Arrests
Those taken into custody included Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
Brad Lander
State Sens. Julia Salazar and Gustavo Rivera were also arrested.
Assemblywomen Emily Gallagher and Marcela Mitaynes joined them in detention.
The officials chanted for the release of migrants inside ICE custody.
They carried signs reading “ICE out of NY” during the protest.
🚨BREAKING: Eleven Democratic elected officials were arrested in NYC after demanding access to ICE’s migrant detention cells. pic.twitter.com/GLidIu3Cxn
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) September 19, 2025
DHS said the group obstructed law enforcement and disrupted operations.
The officials were eventually released but vowed to continue their push.
Conditions in Cells
Critics accuse ICE of overcrowding and mistreatment inside the four holding cells.
The cells are designed only for short-term detainment before transfers.
Video from activists showed migrants lying on thin blankets on the floor.
Advocates claim migrants had limited access to food and water.
DHS has denied accusations of poor or unsanitary conditions.
The agency insists detainees are treated in accordance with policy.
Political Reaction
Zohran Mamdani, front-runner for New York City mayor, condemned the arrests.
Zohran Mamdani
He called the holding cells “inhumane” and demanded the officials’ release.
“Overcrowded cells. Unsanitary conditions. Limited access to food and water,” Mamdani wrote.
Gov. Kathy Hochul also blasted the arrests in blunt terms.
“Locking up lawmakers for demanding dignity won’t make America safer,” Hochul said.
Kathy Hochul
Democrats across the state echoed concerns about transparency at ICE facilities.
Access Dispute
Members of Congress have the right to inspect ICE detention facilities.
But local and state lawmakers do not hold the same authority.
ICE has repeatedly denied entry requests for temporary holding areas.
This gap in oversight has sparked clashes with activists and officials.
Lander himself was detained at 26 Federal Plaza earlier this year.
That incident occurred while escorting a migrant man targeted for arrest.
DHS Statement
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawmakers’ protest.
She accused them of staging “another stunt for 15 minutes of fame.”
Tricia McLaughlin
She said their actions endangered both personnel and detainees.
McLaughlin claimed the group obstructed law enforcement inside the facility.
DHS insisted security protocols would not be compromised for political theater.
The arrests are the latest flashpoint in New York’s immigration debate.
