ICE directed to enhance detention conditions following NYC immigrants' allegations of maltreatment
The immigration holding facility at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan is currently facing severe issues with overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of access to essential amenities such as showers, medical care, adequate hygiene, and legal counsel.
Detainees have reported being held for days or weeks in small rooms, often with 70 to 90 people crammed into about 215 square feet, forced to sleep on concrete floors without beds or proper privacy, and limited to only a few toilets that are in open view.
In response to these grim conditions, a federal judge issued a temporary order in August 2025, mandating immediate improvements. The order requires the administration to:
- Reduce overcrowding, ensuring no fewer than 50 square feet per detainee
- Provide hygiene products and allow access to showers and clean clothes
- Ensure detainees can make free, confidential, and unmonitored phone calls to their lawyers within 24 hours
- Improve access to medical care and sleeping mats
Despite these orders, outside doctors attempting to inspect the facility were denied access, suggesting continued resistance to transparency. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU and New York Civil Liberties Union, have filed class action lawsuits against the Trump administration over these conditions and lack of legal access.
Sergio Barco Mercado, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, was held at 26 Federal Plaza for two days last week after his arrest there while leaving an immigration court hearing. He described his hold room as "extremely crowded," cold, and smelling of sewage, which exacerbated a tooth infection that swelled his face and altered his speech. Barco Mercado also stated that there were times when he did not get enough water and that a guard would sometimes hold a bottle of water up and make detainees wait to have him squirt some into their mouths.
Another detainee, Carlos Lopez Benitez, said he fled violence in Paraguay in 2023 and was seeking asylum in the U.S. when he was arrested in July while leaving an immigration hearing. Lopez Benitez also stated that an officer showed him a cellphone photo of his arrest and mocked him for crying. He also complained of lacking soap, toothbrushes, and other hygiene products, being fed inedible food, and enduring the "horrific stench" of sweat, urine, and feces due to open toilets.
Nancy Zanello, of ICE's New York City Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, stated that hygiene products, including soap, teeth cleaning wipes, and feminine products, are available in each room. However, detainees have reported a lack of these essential items, raising concerns about the facility's compliance with the judge's orders.
The judge also ordered the government to thoroughly clean the cells three times a day and provide an adequate supply of hygiene products. Full compliance and independent oversight remain ongoing concerns.
[1] The New York Times. (2025, August 20). Judge Orders U.S. to Improve Conditions at New York City Immigration Facility. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/nyregion/judge-orders-us-to-improve-conditions-at-new-york-city-immigration-facility.html
[2] CNN. (2025, August 20). Judge orders Trump administration to improve conditions at NYC immigration detention facility. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/us/new-york-city-immigration-detention-conditions/index.html
[3] ABC News. (2025, August 21). Judge Orders U.S. to Improve Conditions at New York City Immigration Detention Facility. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-orders-us-improve-conditions-new-york-city-73838644
[4] The Washington Post. (2025, August 20). Judge orders U.S. to improve conditions at New York City immigration detention facility. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2025/08/20/judge-orders-us-improve-conditions-new-york-city-immigration-detention-facility/
[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 20). Judge orders Trump administration to improve conditions at New York City immigration detention facility. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/20/judge-orders-trump-administration-to-improve-conditions-at-new-york-city-immigration-detention-facility
- The severe issues at the 26 Federal Plaza immigration holding facility demand attention, raising questions about workplace-wellness and medical-conditions in detention centers.
- The lack of access to essential amenities, such as showers, medical care, and legal counsel, is concerning, especially considering the rise of chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease among detainees.
- Respiratory-conditions and eye-health could further deteriorate due to the unsanitary conditions reported, highlighting the need for health-and-wellness improvements.
- Fitness-and-exercise programs might help alleviate the physical strain of the overcrowded conditions.
- Mental-health concerns are also prevalent, with detainees facing prolonged periods of stress and anxiety in inhumane conditions.
- Therapies-and-treatments, both physical and psychological, should be made available to address these mental-health issues.
- The ongoing crisis serves as an industry concern, calling for policies to uphold human rights and improve the industry's approach to healthcare and well-being.
- The increased attention towards these conditions could potentially prompt Medicare to expand coverage for detainees or create new reimbursement models.
- CBD oil, known for its potential health benefits, could be explored as a safe and natural alternative for managing stress and chronic-pain in such facilities.
- Financial implications should also be considered, as the improvements mandated by the judge will likely incur costs.
- Skin-conditions, caused in part by poor hygiene, pose a significant concern and require immediate attention.
- Cybersecurity measures should be strengthened to protect the privacy of detainees using phones to communicate with their lawyers, within the guidelines of the judge's orders.
- Lifestyle changes could minimize the risk of future outbreaks and improve overall well-being for detainees.
- Fashion-and-beauty companies could contribute by donating essential hygiene products to detention centers.
- Food-and-drink companies might consider providing nutritious meals to address the issue of inedible food reported.
- Investing in sustainable solutions for detention centers could lead to long-term benefits for the well-being of detainees and reduce costs.
- Wealth-management firms could help fund organizations that focus on advocating for detainees' rights.
- Home-and-garden companies could donate items to improve the living conditions of detainees, aiming for a more hospitable environment.
- The business community should take a stand against such treatment, upholding ethical practices and supporting human rights.
- Personal-finance advisors could help detainees manage their resources more effectively, ensuring they can afford necessities while in detention.
- Banking-and-insurance institutions should review their practices to ensure they do not contribute to or profit from these inhumane conditions.
- Real-estate companies could invest in properties that house detention centers, pressuring them to adhere to human rights standards.
- Data-and-cloud-computing solutions could help monitor the conditions inside detention centers and ensure compliance with the judge's orders.
- The technology sector should develop innovative solutions to address the sanitation, privacy, and communication challenges faced by detainees.
- Relationships with loved ones are crucial for mental-health, and policies should be implemented to facilitate more frequent and private visits.
- Pets can provide comfort and emotional support, and there should be provisions for detainees to keep personal pets in suitable living conditions.
- Travel restrictions for detainees should be eased to enable them to seek medical treatment and legal advice outside of the facility.
