Fil-Am Assemblymember Raga, Comptroller Lander, and González-Rojas Among Those Arrested at Federal Plaza Immigration Court

NEW YORK - Filipino American New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga was among 11 elected officials arrested at the Federal Plaza Immigration Court in Lower Manhattan during an attempted inspection of the immigration detention facility. The action followed reports of overcrowding and inhumane conditions, as well as a federal court order mandating improved standards for detainees, including a minimum space requirement of 50 square feet per person.

Alongside Raga, New York State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander were also detained. The officials sought to access the 10th floor of the building, where the detention facility is located, to assess compliance with the federal injunction.

Dozens of protesters, including doctors, community leaders, and religious representatives, were also arrested outside the building. Homeland Security reported that Comptroller Lander arrived at the facility unannounced with supporters and media, which they said caused a disruption.

The Federal Protective Service subsequently requested assistance from the NYPD and other federal agencies, leading to the arrest of 71 individuals in total.

Authorities later placed the building on lockdown after a bomb threat was received. All arrested elected officials were released afterward and issued police summonses.