NYC Democrats Detained by DHS in Manhattan Near Immigration Courts

Source: Newsweek

Published Sep 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDT | Updated Sep 18, 2025 at 5:21 PM EDT


City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams were among several Democratic New York elected officials detained by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents on Thursday during a protest at federal immigration courts in Lower Manhattan.

New York State Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas said she was among those officials held after they unfurled a banner and staged a sit-in outside holding cells for immigrants inside 26 Federal Plaza. Thursday was Lander's second time being detained at the facility, following an arrest in June.

Why It Matters

26 Federal Plaza has seen large numbers of immigrants detained in recent months, as they appeared for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins and immigration court hearings. The Trump administration has also faced legal challenges over detention facilities at the site.

List of NYC Officials Arrested

Lander was arrested alongside several others after demanding access to the lockup and being denied entry. Lander's office said federal agents also arrested state Senators Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport, both Brooklyn Democrats, along with Assembly members Marcela Mitaynes, Tony Simone, González-Rojas, Clare Valdez, Robert Carroll, Emily Gallagher and Steven Raga.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/ice-nyc-democrats-detained-immigration-court-sit-2132188