An immigration detention, a waiting room, a family in limbo

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

The plan was to accompany 10th District Rep. Dan Goldman and his deputy chief of staff, John Blasco, on an unannounced visit to the detention floor at 26 Federal Plaza this past Thursday morning. 

But when I arrived at Goldman's office on Lower Broadway, a woman was escorted in with her three young children at the same time. Her husband — we'll call him "M" to protect his identity — had just been detained during an immigration court check-in. The family, asylum seekers from Ecuador, didn't know what would happen next.

Staff describe Goldman's office as "the hub," and within minutes, it became exactly that. 

While their mother met with Goldman, a representative from NYLAG, a translator and a church advocate, staffers brought out a coloring book, snacks, tissues, and a laptop playing a Spanish-language version of "K-Pop Demon Hunter." Someone opened a box of empanadas. A Care Bears Monopoly board appeared on a conference table.

After paperwork is filed, Goldman, whose congressional district includes the East Village, Blasco, and Carlos Rondon, the office's director of community and external affairs, heads across the street to 26 Federal Plaza to try to gain access to M, who is being held on the 10th floor. 

Because the visit is unannounced, ICE Deputy Director Kenneth Genalo (below left) is called in. Access is not immediately granted.

Goldman is told that a court order is required. He responds that he has one (PDF here), as one of 13 plaintiffs challenging ICE policies that restrict congressional access to detention facilities and require seven days' notice before visits. The order sets aside that requirement. 

After several tense minutes of negotiation — complicated by the lack of cellular or Wi-Fi service on the floor — Goldman is allowed to proceed.

He is taken behind barred doors. We are not permitted to follow.

M is being processed on the 5th floor, so the group moves downstairs so Goldman can relay a message: his wife and children are waiting at his office and want to speak with him. 

The communication happens through hastily translated Spanish paperwork outlining rights — including the right to remain silent, the possibility of a "credible fear" interview if he fears returning to Ecuador, and basic legal information. ICE provides no translators. 

Back at the office, staffers say this scene repeats every week, with detentions increasing. 

Goldman explains the routine: "When the family [of a detainee] comes over, we get them settled, make sure that they're comfortable. We have them sign our own waiver so we can represent and advocate for them with ICE if needed — which we have done. Then, we immediately refer them to lawyers who are working right here so they're able to interview the family and file the Habeas petition the same day."

Of the 46 detained individuals the office has assisted so far, Goldman says 13 have been released. He and Blasco describe the challenges of getting basic necessities to people in custody.

"A couple of days ago, there was a 20-year-old kid with autism," Goldman says. "His family was distraught that he would commit self-harm if he did not get his medication. So I called over to the top supervisor to ask him to come make sure that he gets his medication." 

Blasco adds, "We've brought insulin shots over for a detainee who has diabetes. We called first to bring the medication, and at first, the ICE officers didn't want to take it. But Carlos nudged a bit. Then they finally took it. And then we got confirmation to verify that they received their insulin." 

As the business day ends, the family can hear from their loved one, though there are still no updates on M. 

The office provides an Uber and extra food so they can return home to Queens. Before they leave, staff carefully write M's name, A-number (an Alien Registration Number assigned by Homeland Security), and location on a whiteboard so they can continue monitoring his case and providing assistance. 

It is a brutal scene to witness: kids crying, parents negotiating bureaucracy in a language they don't fully understand, staff moving as fast as they can within a system that doesn't slow down.

By the end of the day, the exhaustion in the room is visible on every face. 

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The National Immigrant Justice Center shares this document, "Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE."