A federal judge took action on Wednesday, directing the Trump administration to upgrade conditions for migrants held in a federal building in downtown New York City.
The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, included a preliminary injunction that compels U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enhance cleanliness, reduce overcrowding, and improve access to legal phone calls at the facility in 26 Federal Plaza.
This decision comes after a lawsuit was brought forth by detainees who claimed they were being denied essential services such as legal representation, medical care, necessary hygiene products, and adequate food as part of the ongoing immigration enforcement by the Trump administration.
Disturbing footage surfaced, reportedly showing migrants confined in the facility in stark conditions.
Judge Kaplan emphasized, “No matter the merits of the Administration’s goal to deport undocumented immigrants–and I give no opinion on that matter, as it falls outside this case’s scope–we must bear in mind that we are in the United States of America. Our goal should be to treat everyone here, including detainees, with humanity.”
ABC News released a video in July capturing more than a dozen individuals inside the holding facility. Many appeared to be on the floor wrapped in thermal blankets, while others were seated on benches. The footage also displayed two toilets partitioned off with just a waist-high wall for privacy.
The New York Immigration Coalition, one of the groups advocating for the detainees, pointed out that the film confirmed the center was functioning as a long-term detention site rather than just a short-term holding area.
In his order, Judge Kaplan noted that ICE had altered its guidelines back in June to allow these short-term holding facilities to detain individuals for extended periods.
“ICE’s increased enforcement measures have led to a significant rise in detainees, putting existing facilities under extreme pressure and straining resources,” the judge remarked in his ruling.
Eunice Cho, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, called the judge’s decision a significant victory for immigrant rights.
She affirmed, “No one should ever be denied medical assistance, legal access, or even basic dignity while in government custody, and we will keep fighting to ensure that ICE is held responsible for its actions.”
