Protesters and numerous elected officials are taken into custody at an immigration detention center in Manhattan.
In a dramatic turn of events, more than a dozen elected officials were arrested during protests at a New York City immigration detention facility on Monday, December 19, 2025. The demonstration took place at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, a government building housing immigration court, the FBI's New York field office, and other federal offices.
The arrested officials included high-profile figures such as Brad Lander, the city's comptroller, Jabari Brisport, a state senator, Jumaane Williams (city's public advocate), Julia Salazar (Democratic state senator), and Tiffany Caban (City Council Member). Eleven officials were arrested inside the building while attempting to inspect holding rooms.
The protests were part of a larger movement against the conditions at the detention facility, with detainees complaining of being fed inedible food and enduring a horrific stench due to open toilets in the rooms. These allegations have been a subject of concern for immigration and civil rights organizations, leading to a lawsuit being filed on behalf of people held at the Manhattan facility.
The lawsuit followed a temporary restraining order issued last month, which was later transformed into a preliminary injunction by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. The injunction requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide adequate space, clean cells, hygiene products, and accommodations for confidential legal calls for detainees.
Federal agents barred the officials from entering the holding rooms and arrested them. According to Brad Lander, one of the arrested officials, a federal judge has indicated that the federal law is not being followed, and the conditions are cruel and inhumane at the detention facility.
The arrests occurred amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. The building was later locked down due to a telephoned bomb threat, adding to the day's tension. However, the arrested officials were given summonses and released.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. The copyright for this report belongs to The Associated Press. It is important to note that there are no relevant search results indicating which political group participated in the demonstration in front of the immigration detention center in the United States on Monday, December 19, 2025. Outside the immigration holding facility, police arrested dozens of protesters, including politicians, advocates, and religious leaders.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate and concerns about the treatment of detainees in immigration facilities across the United States. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties involved to adhere to the rule of law and ensure the well-being of those in their care.
