A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court alleges that migrants detained at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City are subjected to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, including sleeping on concrete floors, lack of access to legal counsel, and inadequate food and hygiene. The suit, brought by Sergio Alberto Barco Mercado and supported by immigrant advocacy groups, claims that detainees are held far longer than the permitted 72 hours, sometimes for over a week, and are denied necessary medical care and communication with their lawyers.

Federal officials have denied these allegations, describing the cells as temporary processing centers, but recent video evidence and reporting have corroborated the complaints. The lawsuit seeks class-action status and highlights a broader pattern of courthouse arrests and increased detention of undocumented immigrants without criminal records, which advocates argue undermines due process and discourages court appearances.

Democratic lawmakers have repeatedly been denied access to inspect these facilities, prompting additional legal action. Many migrants are eventually transferred to other detention centers in the region, some with histories of poor conditions, raising further concerns about the treatment of detainees under current federal policies.