A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately improve the conditions at the 26 Federal Plaza immigration facility in New York City, following severe complaints from detained migrants about unsanitary, overcrowded, and inhumane living conditions. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, requires ICE to reduce the facility’s capacity, enhance cleanliness, and provide essential items like sleeping mats and hygiene products. The decision comes after a lawsuit filed by migrant advocacy groups highlighted complaints from detainees about being subjected to extreme temperatures, inedible food, and a lack of access to basic necessities.
The lawsuit, brought by the immigrant rights organization Make the Road New York and legal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), alleged that migrants were living in deplorable conditions, including rooms with open toilets, inadequate meals, and a severe lack of personal hygiene items. One detainee reported being unable to access menstrual products due to limited supplies. During a hearing, the DOJ attorney acknowledged that detainees were only receiving two meals daily and lacking necessary items but contested claims of overcrowding. Judge Kaplan, however, concluded that the conditions were so dire that they could quickly deteriorate without immediate intervention.
The order mandates that each detainee receive 50 square feet of space, significantly reducing the number of people per holding room. Additionally, the facility must be cleaned three times daily, and detainees must be provided with access to confidential legal calls, including interpreters for non-English speakers. The judge warned that without enforceable measures, the situation could worsen, emphasizing the urgent need to protect detainees’ rights to due process and legal representation.
Immigrant rights advocates have been vocal in their criticism of the conditions at the facility, with the ACLU expressing concern over the potential violation of constitutional rights. The organization’s senior staff attorney, Eunice Cho, stated that the court’s decision sends a clear message that ICE cannot hold individuals in abusive conditions while denying them their rights. The lawsuit has sparked further debate on immigration policy, particularly regarding the treatment of detained migrants and the need for systemic reforms to address overcrowding and poor living standards within immigration detention centers.
Lawmakers and legal experts have called on federal agencies to prioritize the humane treatment of detainees, emphasizing the importance of upholding legal standards and protecting human rights. The judge’s ruling highlights the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement policies and the ethical responsibilities of government agencies to ensure that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, are treated with dignity and respect. As the case moves forward, it is likely to influence future debates on immigration policy and the legal framework governing detention facilities across the United States.