"For those who enter 26 Federal Plaza, the building has become known as a house of turmoil and disruption as attorneys and judges attempt to conduct hearings while immigrants are detained by ICE agents roaming the hallways. According to those who arrive to observe the proceedings, things have only escalated over the months to a free-for-all that leaves workers enraged and families terrified."
"This building, 26 Federal Plaza, rules don't apply there. There are no rules. It changes minute by minute, day by day, they make it as hard as it can be, a court observer who gave his name as Peter, told amNewYork. I've been escorted down by no less than 10 agents in an elevator and made to leave the building for nothing more than going up to talk to the clerk in one of the windows to inquire about a motion."
"According to Peter, tensions have risen between the masked, armed agents and volunteers who attend hearings to offer support to immigrants arriving for their legally mandated proceedings. Months ago, observers were permitted to walk the hallways of the building, but as temperatures rose and even clashes unfolded, they have now been relegated to waiting rooms."
On Sept. 8, over a dozen federal agents patrolled the 12th floor of 26 Federal Plaza. ICE operations intensified after an August lull, producing a week with more than 30 arrests. Attorneys and judges attempt hearings amid frequent disruptions while migrants remain detained and agents move through hallways. Observers and volunteers who once walked freely have been confined to waiting rooms. Security encounters have included escorts out of the building, physical pushes and verbal confrontations. The escalating tensions have left court workers enraged and immigrant families frightened during mandated proceedings.
Read at www.amny.com
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