NY Congressmen Denied Access to ICE Facility After Brad Lander's Arrest

Congressional Oversight Attempt

• 🏛️ Congressmen Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler attempted to conduct an oversight visit at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan.
• 🚫 They stated their request to access an ICE field office within the building was denied by both ICE and FBI agents.
• ⚠️ The congressmen believe this denial is against the law and are committed to gaining access to observe detention conditions.

Allegations of Detainee Conditions

• 📌 Goldman and Nadler allege that detainees are being held on the 10th floor, sometimes sleeping on benches or the floor for days.
• ❓ They question what ICE is hiding about the facility and the conditions under which immigrants are housed.

Legal and Congressional Actions

• ⚖️ Congressman Nadler suggested pursuing legal action to enforce their right to conduct inspections.
• 🗣️ Congressman Goldman plans to address the issue in Congress through the Homeland Security Committee.
• 📰 The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

Immigration Court Proceedings

• 🧑‍⚖️ The congressmen observed two court proceedings where motions to dismiss cases were declined by the judge.
• 🚨 These dismissals can lead to immediate detainments of individuals, a practice they have been reporting on for weeks.
• 🤔 They believe witnesses in these cases may have been advised to deny the motion beforehand, though neither was detained.

Brad Lander's Arrest and Statement

• 🚶‍♂️ New York City Controller and Mayoral candidate Brad Lander was detained by ICE at Federal Immigration Court.
• 🤝 Lander stated he was attempting to escort a man facing deportation and was standing up for the rule of law.
• 📺 Video of the incident was posted on social media, showing Lander being detained while trying to help.
• ⚖️ Lander mentioned that charges were not brought against him, and the case is currently under review.