11 Elected Officials Arrested During Anti-ICE Protest in Manhattan

Anti-ICE Protest Erupts in Manhattan

• 🚨 Dozens of protesters gathered outside 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan to protest conditions at an immigration holding facility.
• 🏛️ The protest escalated into a sit-in, leading to the arrest of 71 individuals by the Department of Homeland Security.

Elected Officials Among Those Arrested

• ⚖️ Among the arrested were 11 elected officials, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Comptroller Brad Lander.
• 📍 These officials were attempting to inspect holding rooms within the federal building, alleging inappropriate extended detentions by ICE.

Officials' Stated Intentions and ICE Response

• 💬 Officials stated their goal was to give a voice to vulnerable New Yorkers and stop what they described as "vile violations of law" by ICE.
• ⚠️ Homeland Security issued a statement criticizing Comptroller Brad Lander's rhetoric, claiming it contributes to a surge in assaults on ICE officers.

Protest Aftermath

• 📝 The arrested officials were reportedly released on summons.
• 🔒 Following the arrests, the federal building was shut down.
• 📅 The protest occurred in the wake of a federal judge's ruling this week requiring the government to improve its treatment of detainees.