Dem Lawmakers Denied Access to NYC Immigration Facility Amid Transparency Concerns

(LibertySociety.com) – Congressional Democrats were barred from inspecting a federal immigration facility in Manhattan after protests erupted over aggressive ICE raids targeting immigrants attending legally required court hearings.

Key Takeaways

• Democratic Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez were denied access to the ICE facility at 26 Federal Plaza after waiting an hour, despite their congressional oversight authority.
• The lawmakers’ inspection attempt followed weekend protests where 22 demonstrators were arrested after clashing with NYPD while trying to block ICE vehicles.
• A Queens high school student was among those detained during an asylum hearing, highlighting controversial ICE tactics targeting immigrants complying with legal processes.
• DHS officials claimed the building is not a detention center but refused immediate access, offering only a pre-scheduled tour at a later date.
• Similar protests in Los Angeles faced even harsher enforcement responses, including flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets, showing the nationwide scope of immigration enforcement tensions.

Democrats Denied Access to ICE Facility After Protests

Two prominent Democratic lawmakers were blocked from inspecting a federal immigration facility in Lower Manhattan on June 9, 2025, raising serious questions about transparency in immigration enforcement operations. Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez arrived unannounced at 26 Federal Plaza to investigate reports of overcrowding and concerning detention conditions following a weekend of protests that resulted in nearly two dozen arrests. After waiting for an hour in the lobby, federal officials refused them entry to the 10th-floor facility where immigrants are processed.

“What is it that they’re hiding? They are apprehending people that are following the rules,” questioned Rep. Velázquez, highlighting the growing concern that ICE is targeting immigrants who are attempting to comply with legal processes by attending court hearings. The lawmakers expressed particular concern about reports that immigrants were being detained immediately after appearing for scheduled court dates, essentially punishing those trying to follow proper legal channels.

Weekend Protests Highlight Aggressive ICE Tactics

The congressional inspection attempt came in the wake of heated demonstrations outside the same federal building on June 7, where protesters clashed with NYPD officers while attempting to block ICE vehicles from departing with detained immigrants. Law enforcement responded with pepper spray as tensions escalated, resulting in 22 arrests. Protesters had gathered specifically to oppose what they described as increasingly aggressive ICE operations targeting immigrants who were simply attending required court hearings.

Among the most troubling cases highlighted by protesters was that of a Queens high school student who was detained during what should have been a routine asylum hearing. This case has become emblematic of what immigration advocates call a disturbing shift in enforcement priorities, with ICE now targeting even young people and students who are actively participating in the legal immigration process rather than focusing on individuals with serious criminal records.

Federal Officials Defend Denied Access

The Department of Homeland Security quickly issued a statement defending their decision to deny the congressional representatives access to the facility. According to DHS officials, 26 Federal Plaza “is not a detention center” but rather houses immigration offices and courts. They claimed the unannounced visit would have disrupted “sensitive law enforcement items” and instead offered to schedule a formal tour at a later date with proper advance notice.

This explanation did little to satisfy the lawmakers, who pointed out that congressional oversight of federal facilities is a fundamental part of their duties. “We have a responsibility to ensure that federal facilities are operating humanely and within the bounds of the law,” said Rep. Espaillat. “When access is denied, it naturally raises questions about what conditions they don’t want the public to see.” The standoff highlights the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local officials in sanctuary cities like New York.

Nationwide Pattern of Enforcement and Resistance

The Manhattan protests were not isolated incidents. Similar demonstrations in Los Angeles faced even more aggressive responses, with ICE reportedly deploying flash-bang grenades and rubber bullets against protesters. Over 40 arrests were made during neighborhood raids in Los Angeles, and the National Guard was deployed to maintain control, indicating the nationwide scope of intensified immigration enforcement under current federal policies.

Critics argue these tactics represent a deliberate strategy to create fear within immigrant communities. “What we’re seeing is a systematic effort to criminalize immigrants who are trying to follow the legal process,” said a community organizer at the Manhattan protest. “When people are afraid to show up for court hearings because they might be detained, it undermines the entire immigration system and due process.”

Courthouse Arrests Becoming Flashpoint

The practice of detaining immigrants at courthouses has become particularly controversial. Immigration advocates point out that these tactics effectively punish people for complying with legal requirements and discourage others from engaging with the legal system at all. When immigrants fear that appearing for a scheduled hearing might result in immediate detention, they face an impossible choice between potential deportation or becoming fugitives by missing court dates.

The detention of at least two New York City public school students since policy changes were implemented in early 2025 has further inflamed tensions. Parents and educators have expressed outrage that young people pursuing education while following legal processes are being targeted. School officials report increasing absences among immigrant students fearful that they or their family members might be detained while attending school or court hearings.

​Copyright 2025, LibertySociety.com