Arya Sundaram
@aryasundaram.bsky.social
NYC race + migration reporter for Gothamist/WNYC • past lives @nytimes.com @texastribune.org • words also in @theatlantic.com @theguardian.com @nymag.com • whatsapp/signal = 512-650-8767
Pinned
‘They’re killing us’: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions inside NYC holding site
Immigrants complain of cramped conditions, inadequate food and bathing facilities and sleeping on concrete floors.
gothamist.com
NEW: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions at ICE holding cells in NYC.
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
An ICE officer pushed a photojournalist to the ground today at immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in NYC.
The photojournalist couldn't get up afterwards, and EMS was called.
The photojournalist couldn't get up afterwards, and EMS was called.
September 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM
An ICE officer pushed a photojournalist to the ground today at immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in NYC.
The photojournalist couldn't get up afterwards, and EMS was called.
The photojournalist couldn't get up afterwards, and EMS was called.
BREAKING: Eleven NY city and state elected officials were just arrested by Department of Homeland Security officers.
That's after they demanded to inspect ICE holding rooms at 26 Federal Plaza and refused to leave until they were granted entry.
That's after they demanded to inspect ICE holding rooms at 26 Federal Plaza and refused to leave until they were granted entry.
September 18, 2025 at 9:04 PM
BREAKING: Eleven NY city and state elected officials were just arrested by Department of Homeland Security officers.
That's after they demanded to inspect ICE holding rooms at 26 Federal Plaza and refused to leave until they were granted entry.
That's after they demanded to inspect ICE holding rooms at 26 Federal Plaza and refused to leave until they were granted entry.
JUST NOW: NYC Comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social was arrested by DHS police a SECOND time at 26 Federal Plaza.
Lander refused to leave the 10th floor until he was allowed to inspect ICE holding cells there.
He was arrested with 10 other state elected officials.
Lander refused to leave the 10th floor until he was allowed to inspect ICE holding cells there.
He was arrested with 10 other state elected officials.
September 18, 2025 at 9:03 PM
JUST NOW: NYC Comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social was arrested by DHS police a SECOND time at 26 Federal Plaza.
Lander refused to leave the 10th floor until he was allowed to inspect ICE holding cells there.
He was arrested with 10 other state elected officials.
Lander refused to leave the 10th floor until he was allowed to inspect ICE holding cells there.
He was arrested with 10 other state elected officials.
The Trump admin has moved to restart thousands of paused immigration court cases -- another tactic in the "mass deportation" effort.
gothamist.com/news/these-n...
gothamist.com/news/these-n...
August 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
The Trump admin has moved to restart thousands of paused immigration court cases -- another tactic in the "mass deportation" effort.
gothamist.com/news/these-n...
gothamist.com/news/these-n...
BREAKING: A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order requiring that ICE holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza meet certain minimum conditions.
ICE is now required to provide beds, toothbrushes, and calls with attorneys within 24 hours of being detained.
ICE is now required to provide beds, toothbrushes, and calls with attorneys within 24 hours of being detained.
August 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
BREAKING: A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order requiring that ICE holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza meet certain minimum conditions.
ICE is now required to provide beds, toothbrushes, and calls with attorneys within 24 hours of being detained.
ICE is now required to provide beds, toothbrushes, and calls with attorneys within 24 hours of being detained.
A crowd of roughly 60 protestors chant "No human being will ever be illegal!" outside 26 Federal Plaza, where ICE agents are routinely detaining immigrants after immigration court proceedings
August 8, 2025 at 2:37 PM
A crowd of roughly 60 protestors chant "No human being will ever be illegal!" outside 26 Federal Plaza, where ICE agents are routinely detaining immigrants after immigration court proceedings
NY Reps @danielsgoldman.dg4ny.co @repespaillat.bsky.social @velazquez.house.gov visit Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which is holding ICE detainees, for an unannounced oversight visit.
Espaillat asked a masked federal officer, “Can I see your face?”
The officer refused.
Espaillat asked a masked federal officer, “Can I see your face?”
The officer refused.
August 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
NY Reps @danielsgoldman.dg4ny.co @repespaillat.bsky.social @velazquez.house.gov visit Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which is holding ICE detainees, for an unannounced oversight visit.
Espaillat asked a masked federal officer, “Can I see your face?”
The officer refused.
Espaillat asked a masked federal officer, “Can I see your face?”
The officer refused.
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
A big deal. As @aryasundaram.bsky.social explains, sponsors intend this bill to “decriminalize” street vending.
Like the 19th century Lower East Side pushcart peddlers were, many vendors are immigrants. Police ticketing vendors brings criminal charges, now putting them at risk for targeting by ICE.
Like the 19th century Lower East Side pushcart peddlers were, many vendors are immigrants. Police ticketing vendors brings criminal charges, now putting them at risk for targeting by ICE.
“City Council is righting wrongs of the past to ensure street vendors are regulated like the small business owners they are,” said Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez of @streetvendorproj.bsky.social.
👇Learn about the bill that hopes to provide some relief for street vendors.
gothamist.com/news/nyc-str...
👇Learn about the bill that hopes to provide some relief for street vendors.
gothamist.com/news/nyc-str...
NYC street vendors would catch a break under new City Council measure
A bill passed by councilmembers would decriminalize certain violations of vending laws.
gothamist.com
July 14, 2025 at 5:22 PM
A big deal. As @aryasundaram.bsky.social explains, sponsors intend this bill to “decriminalize” street vending.
Like the 19th century Lower East Side pushcart peddlers were, many vendors are immigrants. Police ticketing vendors brings criminal charges, now putting them at risk for targeting by ICE.
Like the 19th century Lower East Side pushcart peddlers were, many vendors are immigrants. Police ticketing vendors brings criminal charges, now putting them at risk for targeting by ICE.
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
Today:
- Meet mayoral candidate @jimfornyc.bsky.social,
- @brigidbergin.bsky.social on local politics,
- @wsj.com's Allison Pohle on TSA changes,
- @aryasundaram.bsky.social on an ICE facility in Manhattan,
- Columbia Law's Elora Mukherjee on TPS rollbacks
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- Meet mayoral candidate @jimfornyc.bsky.social,
- @brigidbergin.bsky.social on local politics,
- @wsj.com's Allison Pohle on TSA changes,
- @aryasundaram.bsky.social on an ICE facility in Manhattan,
- Columbia Law's Elora Mukherjee on TPS rollbacks
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
July 14, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Today:
- Meet mayoral candidate @jimfornyc.bsky.social,
- @brigidbergin.bsky.social on local politics,
- @wsj.com's Allison Pohle on TSA changes,
- @aryasundaram.bsky.social on an ICE facility in Manhattan,
- Columbia Law's Elora Mukherjee on TPS rollbacks
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
- Meet mayoral candidate @jimfornyc.bsky.social,
- @brigidbergin.bsky.social on local politics,
- @wsj.com's Allison Pohle on TSA changes,
- @aryasundaram.bsky.social on an ICE facility in Manhattan,
- Columbia Law's Elora Mukherjee on TPS rollbacks
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @wnyc.org
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
‘They’re killing us’: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions inside NYC holding site https://gothamist.com/news/theyre-killing-us-immigrants-complain-of-inhumane-conditions-inside-nyc-holding-site
‘They’re killing us’: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions inside NYC holding site
A masked federal agent looks directly at the camera as someone is detained and brought downstairs at 26 Federal Plaza.
Immigrants complain of cramped conditions, inadequate food and bathing facilities and sleeping on concrete floors. [ more › ]
gothamist.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:35 AM
‘They’re killing us’: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions inside NYC holding site https://gothamist.com/news/theyre-killing-us-immigrants-complain-of-inhumane-conditions-inside-nyc-holding-site
NEW: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions at ICE holding cells in NYC.
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
‘They’re killing us’: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions inside NYC holding site
Immigrants complain of cramped conditions, inadequate food and bathing facilities and sleeping on concrete floors.
gothamist.com
July 9, 2025 at 12:38 PM
NEW: Immigrants complain of inhumane conditions at ICE holding cells in NYC.
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
No showers or changing clothes. Sometimes only one meal per day. Over 100 people in small rooms. Sleeping on benches, the floor, or sitting up, due to lack of space.
gothamist.com/news/theyre-...
"Come witness for yourself"
@bradlander.bsky.social urges New Yorkers and elected officials to observe immigration court hearings at 26 Federal Plaza.
@bradlander.bsky.social urges New Yorkers and elected officials to observe immigration court hearings at 26 Federal Plaza.
July 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"Come witness for yourself"
@bradlander.bsky.social urges New Yorkers and elected officials to observe immigration court hearings at 26 Federal Plaza.
@bradlander.bsky.social urges New Yorkers and elected officials to observe immigration court hearings at 26 Federal Plaza.
Reps. Nadler and Goldman were barred today from inspecting ICE holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza.
That’s after Reps. Velazquez and Espaillat tried to do the same earlier this month.
gothamist.com/news/reps-na...
That’s after Reps. Velazquez and Espaillat tried to do the same earlier this month.
gothamist.com/news/reps-na...
Reps. Nadler and Goldman barred from inspecting ICE holding cells in NYC
An official told the lawmakers that immigrants slept on the floor and on benches overnight, but said the facility was no detention center.
gothamist.com
June 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Reps. Nadler and Goldman were barred today from inspecting ICE holding cells at 26 Federal Plaza.
That’s after Reps. Velazquez and Espaillat tried to do the same earlier this month.
gothamist.com/news/reps-na...
That’s after Reps. Velazquez and Espaillat tried to do the same earlier this month.
gothamist.com/news/reps-na...
Congressmen Jerry Nadler and Dan Goldman enter 26 Federal Plaza to observe immigration court and ICE offices.
Rep Lander was detained here yesterday.
Rep Lander was detained here yesterday.
June 18, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Congressmen Jerry Nadler and Dan Goldman enter 26 Federal Plaza to observe immigration court and ICE offices.
Rep Lander was detained here yesterday.
Rep Lander was detained here yesterday.
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
Here's a longer video of Brad Lander's detention just now inside 26 Federal Plaza as he tried to walk a man out of immigration court, by masked federal agents.
June 17, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Here's a longer video of Brad Lander's detention just now inside 26 Federal Plaza as he tried to walk a man out of immigration court, by masked federal agents.
ICE has made at least about a dozen arrests in recent weeks in Home Depots in New Rochelle and Long Island, according to advocates and witnesses.
gothamist.com/news/immigra...
gothamist.com/news/immigra...
Immigration police making their presence known at NYC-area Home Depots
Even where there have been no arrests, workers say they fear being detained.
gothamist.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:37 PM
ICE has made at least about a dozen arrests in recent weeks in Home Depots in New Rochelle and Long Island, according to advocates and witnesses.
gothamist.com/news/immigra...
gothamist.com/news/immigra...
Dylan, the Bronx high school student arrested by ICE, speaks out from immigration detention.
“All I want is to go home so I can continue studying, to see the people who I love, and to be free.”
gothamist.com/news/dylan-b...
“All I want is to go home so I can continue studying, to see the people who I love, and to be free.”
gothamist.com/news/dylan-b...
Dylan, Bronx high school student arrested by ICE, speaks out from immigration detention
“All I want is to go home so I can continue studying, to see the people who I love, and to be free,” Dylan said in a statement translated by his attorneys.
gothamist.com
June 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Dylan, the Bronx high school student arrested by ICE, speaks out from immigration detention.
“All I want is to go home so I can continue studying, to see the people who I love, and to be free.”
gothamist.com/news/dylan-b...
“All I want is to go home so I can continue studying, to see the people who I love, and to be free.”
gothamist.com/news/dylan-b...
The Department of Justice is suing NY state for its law blocking ICE from going to state and local courts.
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justi...
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justi...
Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop New York’s Unlawful “Protect Our Courts Act” from Obstructing Immigration Enforcement
WASHINGTON - On Thursday, the United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New Yor...
www.justice.gov
June 12, 2025 at 8:35 PM
The Department of Justice is suing NY state for its law blocking ICE from going to state and local courts.
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justi...
www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justi...
An undocumented couple was arrested for shoplifting $160 worth of merchandise in Rotterdam, NY.
Local police separated them from their daughter and handed them over to ICE.
It's one of the first known applications of the Laken Riley Act in New York state.
gothamist.com/news/how-a-s...
Local police separated them from their daughter and handed them over to ICE.
It's one of the first known applications of the Laken Riley Act in New York state.
gothamist.com/news/how-a-s...
How a shoplifting arrest in upstate NY summoned ICE and separated a family
The case represents one of the first tests of the Laken Riley Law in the state.
gothamist.com
June 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM
An undocumented couple was arrested for shoplifting $160 worth of merchandise in Rotterdam, NY.
Local police separated them from their daughter and handed them over to ICE.
It's one of the first known applications of the Laken Riley Act in New York state.
gothamist.com/news/how-a-s...
Local police separated them from their daughter and handed them over to ICE.
It's one of the first known applications of the Laken Riley Act in New York state.
gothamist.com/news/how-a-s...
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
"New surveillance video shared with Gothamist shows that a U.S. Department of Homeland Security officer pushed a staffer in Rep. Jerry Nadler's Manhattan office before she pushed him back and was subsequently handcuffed."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation #Policing
#NewYork #USA #Deportation #Policing
Exclusive: New video shows tussle between Rep. Nadler staffer and federal officers
Rep. Jerry Nadler’s office has shared hours of surveillance footage with Gothamist showing U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers handcuffing a staffer.
gothamist.com
June 6, 2025 at 1:02 AM
"New surveillance video shared with Gothamist shows that a U.S. Department of Homeland Security officer pushed a staffer in Rep. Jerry Nadler's Manhattan office before she pushed him back and was subsequently handcuffed."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation #Policing
#NewYork #USA #Deportation #Policing
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
"Gothamist observed at least 14 people, including 10 men and four women, being escorted by masked plainclothes officers after appearing for check-ins Wednesday at the 7 Elk St. office."
"At least one of the officers wore an ICE badge."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation
"At least one of the officers wore an ICE badge."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation
Families split up as several immigrants arrested at ICE check-in center in Manhattan
"I can't. Please don't go," the wife of one man cried out.
gothamist.com
June 5, 2025 at 12:09 AM
"Gothamist observed at least 14 people, including 10 men and four women, being escorted by masked plainclothes officers after appearing for check-ins Wednesday at the 7 Elk St. office."
"At least one of the officers wore an ICE badge."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation
"At least one of the officers wore an ICE badge."
#NewYork #USA #Deportation
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
“Three women who also received the message and came to the office on Tuesday told THE CITY they were instructed to return on Wednesday — but this time to bring their children with them.”
harrowing new reporting from @gwynnefitz.bsky.social:
harrowing new reporting from @gwynnefitz.bsky.social:
ICE Turns Required Check-Ins Into Arrest Dragnet in Lower Manhattan
Reporters for THE CITY witnessed vehicles hauling away 16 people in handcuffs from an office where immigrants in deportation cases were summoned to sudden appointments.
www.thecity.nyc
June 4, 2025 at 12:53 AM
“Three women who also received the message and came to the office on Tuesday told THE CITY they were instructed to return on Wednesday — but this time to bring their children with them.”
harrowing new reporting from @gwynnefitz.bsky.social:
harrowing new reporting from @gwynnefitz.bsky.social:
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
NYT: “The episode was recorded by someone who was sitting in Mr. Nadler’s office. In the video, an officer with the Federal Protective Service, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is shown demanding access to a private area inside the office.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/n...
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/n...
May 31, 2025 at 10:48 PM
NYT: “The episode was recorded by someone who was sitting in Mr. Nadler’s office. In the video, an officer with the Federal Protective Service, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is shown demanding access to a private area inside the office.”
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/n...
@nytimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/n...
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
> @aryasundaram.bsky.social got the scoop about a staffer for @nadler.house.gov getting arrested INSIDE NADLER’S OFFICE for “harboring” protestors … and Nadler + his chief of staff refused to comment until a few days later when the Times followed up on Arya’s reporting gothamist.com/news/homelan...
Homeland Security cops handcuff one of Rep. Nadler's aides in chaotic day at NY fed building
Two dozen demonstrators were later arrested outside the building in Lower Manhattan.
gothamist.com
June 1, 2025 at 5:27 AM
> @aryasundaram.bsky.social got the scoop about a staffer for @nadler.house.gov getting arrested INSIDE NADLER’S OFFICE for “harboring” protestors … and Nadler + his chief of staff refused to comment until a few days later when the Times followed up on Arya’s reporting gothamist.com/news/homelan...
Reposted by Arya Sundaram
Department of Homeland Security officers invading a congressman's offices and arresting a staffer who tried to stop them is very, very bad. gothamist.com/news/homelan...
May 31, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Department of Homeland Security officers invading a congressman's offices and arresting a staffer who tried to stop them is very, very bad. gothamist.com/news/homelan...