NYC leaders call for inspection after video shows poor conditions at Federal Plaza detention center
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- There are growing questions surrounding video showing crowded conditions inside a federal immigration center in Manhattan, and now New York City leaders are calling for a full inspection.
If video tells the story, then the New York Immigration Coalition hopes images from inside 26 Federal Plaza bring about a much-needed change.
The organization released footage recorded on the 10th floor of the center, which shows men sleeping on the floor in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
Federal authorities call it a temporary "holding center" for undocumented immigrants detained by ICE agents.
City Comptroller Brad Lander says it's neither temporary nor a holding center. He claims the men are held for days.
"They will be detained in inhumane conditions that we believe also violate New York City building and fire codes," Lander said.
That's why Lander and Public Advocate Jumanne Williams sent a letter to the city's building and fire commissioners. It asks them to inspect a facility not designed for shelter or residential uses and seemingly disregards city health, safety and zoning laws. They admit it's a bureaucratic approach aimed at shutting down a detention center.
"We are trying to find all the ways that we have, and all the powers that we have, and asking the FDNY and the DOB to try to inspect this building," Williams said.
Williams and Lander also want help from Mayor Eric Adams. They claim the mayor has cozied up with the federal government and put the interests of the president ahead of the well-being of detained New Yorkers.
"I would like him to simply act like he cares about what's happening and what Donald Trump is doing to this city, and he doesn't," Williams said. "That's what's most disheartening."
Mayor Adams told reporters that he saw the video and will examine the conditions at Federal Plaza.
"I'm happy to see that they are raising their voices at this time, but we are going to looking into it," Adams said. "It was brought to our attention yesterday."
But Lander didn't appear to be convinced by the mayor's response.
"The mayor is full of (expletive) if he says he cares about people who have not been accused of any criminal activity being abducted on his watch," Lander said.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
