FilAm assemblyman Steven Raga among 71 arrested at Manhattan ICE protest

Assemblyman Steven Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature, was arrested last week during a protest at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan. He and other lawmakers attempted to access the 10th floor on Sept. 18, where ICE has been detaining migrants despite a federal court order requiring improvements to overcrowding, sanitation and access to attorneys. The confrontation resulted in 71 arrests, including two state senators and nine assembly members.

The protest followed a federal injunction issued days earlier that directed ICE to provide detainees with bedding, hygiene supplies, meals and unmonitored communication with lawyers. “ICE is starving people, denying them medical care, and cramming them into cage-like conditions,” Raga said. ”No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, we can all agree that inhumane treatment of anyone in New York cannot be excused by political ideology. We have a duty to hold the government accountable when unalienable rights are at risk.”

Those arrested included New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, state Senators Julia Salazar and Jabari Brisport, Assembly Members Marcela Mitaynes, Tony Simone, Claire Valdez, Robert Carroll, Emily Gallagher and Jessica González-Rojas. Officials taken into custody were processed on the 30th floor and issued misdemeanor violation notices accusing them of obstructing the use of federal property. Raga later urged that “ICE be removed from New York and all detainees at 26 Federal Plaza be released.”

The Department of Homeland Security said participants attempted to enter a restricted area without authorization and obstructed law enforcement. A DHS spokesperson said Lander “showed up to 26 Federal Plaza unannounced with agitators and media and proceeded to obstruct law enforcement and cause a scene.” Federal authorities stated that security measures at the Manhattan facility would remain in place as ICE works to meet the court’s requirements.