ICE prohibited from detaining immigrants in congested, abusive holding facilities at 26 Federal Plaza, as decreed by the judge
In a significant development, the U.S. District Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), preventing the agency from holding immigrants in cramped and unhygienic conditions at 26 Federal Plaza [1][4]. The order comes in response to concerns about extreme overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, lack of medical care, and denial of access to legal counsel at the facility [1][2][4].
The TRO, granted on August 12, 2025, mandates that ICE immediately remedy the environment in which detainees are being held, prohibiting detention in spaces with less than 50 square feet per person [1]. Additionally, the order requires ICE to improve access to hygiene, provide sleeping mats, provide access to medical care, and ensure detainees can make free, unmonitored, and confidential calls to their lawyers within 24 hours of being detained [1].
The court order follows a class action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the New York Civil Liberties Union, and others [1]. Bobby Hodgson, Assistant Legal Director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, stated that no one, especially those unlawfully arrested at their immigration hearing, should have to endure the dehumanizing conditions at 26 Federal Plaza [5].
Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU's National Prison Project, echoed this sentiment, stating that the order sends a clear message that ICE cannot hold people in abusive conditions and deny them their Constitutional rights to due process and legal representation [3]. Heather Gregorio of Wang Hecker LLP described the conditions and lack of attorney access at 26 Federal Plaza as horrifying and unconscionable [5].
Despite the court-mandated improvements, concerns remain about overcrowding and the building’s suitability as a detention space [5]. Access for medical and legal evaluations remains limited, indicating ongoing challenges despite the TRO [5]. The New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed an amicus brief supporting detainees, asserting ICE's violation of laws by holding immigrants for days in unsafe and unsanitary conditions and urging the court to make permanent improvements [3].
The ruling is a significant victory for immigrants' rights, as documented by the ACLU of New York [5]. For months, the platform has documented families being separated and people in ICE custody suffering medical emergencies [6]. Leaked footage from the detention facility showed squalid and cramped conditions [6].
However, the order does not prevent detainments in the halls of 26 Federal Plaza [1]. Moreover, ICE has been blocking inspections by several Congress members and other elected officials, making it unclear how exactly the changes will be monitored and enforced [7].
Despite these challenges, both the ACLU and the New York Civil Liberties Union are committed to continuing the fight to stop ICE's unconstitutional detention practices at 26 Federal Plaza for good [5][8]. The order marks a crucial step towards ensuring the rights and dignity of immigrants detained in the facility.
References: 1. Court orders ICE to improve conditions at 26 Federal Plaza detention facility 2. ACLU, NYCLU, and partners sue ICE over abusive conditions at 26 Federal Plaza 3. NY AG Letitia James files amicus brief in support of immigrants detained at 26 Federal Plaza 4. ICE violates laws, holds immigrants for days in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, says NY AG Letitia James 5. ACLU of New York statement on court order to improve conditions at 26 Federal Plaza 6. Leaked footage shows squalid conditions at 26 Federal Plaza immigration detention facility 7. ICE blocks congressional inspections of 26 Federal Plaza detention facility 8. NYCLU looks forward to continuing the fight to stop ICE's unconstitutional detention practices at 26 Federal Plaza for good
- The court order, following a class action lawsuit, requires ICE to improve conditions at 26 Federal Plaza, addressing concerns in the general-news category, such as overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and lack of medical care, that have been prevalent in the crime-and-justice sector.
- The order's mandates include providing detainees with enough space, access to hygiene, sleeping mats, medical care, and confidential calls with their lawyers, all aimed at bringing the facility in line with constitutional standards in the realm of politics and civil rights.
