Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast Immigrants Allege 'Inhumane' Conditions at Manhattan Holding Sites
Jul 14, 2025
Arya Sundaram, a dedicated reporter from WNYC and Gothamist, focuses on race and immigration, while Congressman Adriano Espaillat advocates for immigrant rights in Upper Manhattan. They discuss alarming allegations of inhumane conditions at the 26 Federal Plaza ICE facility, including overcrowding and severe inadequacies in basic needs like food and shelter. With personal accounts shedding light on the struggles faced by immigrants, they emphasize the urgent need for inspection and accountability within the immigration detention system.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Inhumane Conditions at 26 Federal Plaza
- The federal holding rooms at 26 Federal Plaza are temporary detention areas lacking beds and showers.
- Immigrants are reportedly held there longer than the intended 12 hours, sometimes for several days in overcrowded conditions.
Extended Holds at Processing Center
- The facility was originally for short-term holding but now holds immigrants for extended periods.
- ICE detainees at this location sometimes remain up to 10 days despite official standards limiting stays to 12 hours.
Personal Account of Overcrowding
- A detainee described being in a room about 5 by 10 meters with up to 100 others.
- The field office director admitted the center was approaching capacity last month.
