As the Biden administration comes under increasing fire for illegal immigration, liberal lawmakers were prevented from storming an ICE facility in Manhattan, sparking protests and arrests. When security officials denied access in accordance with protocol, New York Democrats Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez demanded entry without adequate notice and compared America to Russia.
Democrats Denied Unscheduled Access to Federal Immigration Facility
Federal authorities at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood denied entry to two Democratic lawmakers who arrived without the required 24-hour notice. The representatives claimed they wanted to investigate alleged poor conditions, but failed to follow Department of Homeland Security protocols that require advance scheduling for security reasons.
NOW: Anti-ICE activists are physically blocking detention vans from leaving ICE HQ in lower Manhattan, as reports swirl of mass migrant arrests inside.
The people are putting their bodies on the line while the government locks up the vulnerable like cargo. This is what… pic.twitter.com/wyVLTKZ6Y4
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) June 7, 2025
Representative Velázquez dramatically compared the United States to Russia when security officials followed standard procedures requiring advance notice for facility tours. The Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the lawmakers were offered an official tour with proper notice, following the same protocols applied to all congressional visits to sensitive security facilities.
Protesters Clash With Law Enforcement Outside Federal Building
The denied access followed a day of anti-enforcement protests where demonstrators attempted to physically block federal immigration vehicles from transporting detainees. Police arrested 22 protesters after the demonstration escalated into confrontations with law enforcement officers who were protecting federal property and personnel.
Meanwhile in NYC: Anti-ICE activists attempt to block ICE Detention vans from leaving the ICE HQ in lower Manhattan amid reports of mass arrests of migrants in the building.
PoliceFrequency pic.twitter.com/6DLfe4Z5Sp
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) June 8, 2025
Protesters at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building opposed the enforcement of immigration laws and the deportation of illegal immigrants who had received due process. The demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by progressive activists to disrupt immigration enforcement operations throughout the Biden administration.
Security Protocols Maintained Despite Political Pressure
Department of Homeland Security officials maintained facility security protocols despite political pressure from the Democratic representatives. The agency confirmed that members of Congress are welcome to tour facilities with appropriate notice, allowing security preparations while ensuring operational integrity is maintained.
“This is not Russia. This is the United States of America, where we have three branches of government. The president of the United States is not a king. And we, as members of Congress, have the duly constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight in a place like this. What is it that they are hiding?” – Rep. Velazquez
The lawmakers vowed to return but did not commit to following the standard security protocols that apply to all congressional visits. ICE facilities nationwide maintain similar access policies to protect both detainees and staff while ensuring operational security remains intact during the current border crisis.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/congress-members-denied-entry-manhattan-021500347.html
https://dnyuz.com/2025/06/08/2-new-york-representatives-are-denied-access-to-ice-facility/