Lawsuit Claims Immigrants Detained for Days in NYC Courthouse Conditions

Civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that immigrants are being detained in a federal courthouse in Manhattan under conditions that lack basic necessities. According to the complaint, individuals held at 26 Federal Plaza endure overcrowded cells without adequate access to beds, showers, sufficient food, hygiene products, or medication.

The lawsuit, initiated by Make the Road New York, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), highlights the treatment of detainees who are confined for over a week in facilities not designed for long-term detention. “In recent months, New York City has almost daily seen masked ICE agents separate people from their families and confine them in crowded, inhumane conditions,” stated Harold Solis, co-legal director of Make the Road New York.

Reports indicate that detainees at the courthouse are often denied access to their attorneys. Solis emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “People are being deprived of their basic rights, facing medical neglect, and they lack access to adequate food and hygiene.”

Conditions at 26 Federal Plaza

The lawsuit describes the conditions at 26 Federal Plaza as “an inhumane disaster.” Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU, condemned the practices, stating, “These cruel, unlawful practices violate immigrants’ rights to due process and basic human dignity — and ICE must be held accountable.”

Detainees receive minimal food, typically just two small rations a day, such as military-style “meals ready to eat.” One individual reported losing 24 pounds during their detention, highlighting the inadequate provisions. The complaint further alleges that guards have been seen consuming pizza and hamburgers in front of detained individuals, intensifying feelings of humiliation.

There are also troubling reports of neglect regarding hygiene products. One woman recounted that her holding cell was given only two menstrual pads to share among multiple women, leading to distressing consequences, including bleeding through her clothing.

Legal and Humanitarian Implications

Civil rights advocates argue that the treatment of detainees at the courthouse is not only a legal issue but also a humanitarian crisis. The lawsuit seeks to challenge the policies that permit such conditions, arguing for the immediate cessation of what they describe as immoral and inhumane practices. Solis reaffirmed the commitment of the organizations involved, stating, “Our north star here is simple: this must stop.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement and the treatment of vulnerable populations. The outcome could have significant implications for how immigration detention is handled in the future, particularly in urban centers like New York City.