Judge Criticizes ICE for Hiding Detainee Holding Areas

Federal judge accuses immigration agency of concealing detention facilities from the court

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge in Manhattan expressed outrage after learning that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been holding detainees on undisclosed floors of a facility, accusing the agency of "stalling" and failing to be transparent about its detention practices.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the lack of oversight and transparency in ICE's detention operations, with the judge's reaction suggesting a pattern of the agency concealing information from the courts tasked with monitoring its activities.

The details

According to the report, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan was surprised to learn that ICE had been holding detainees on additional floors of a Manhattan facility that had not been previously disclosed to the court. The judge accused the agency of "stalling" and failing to provide full information about its detention practices.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan

A federal judge presiding over a case involving ICE detention practices.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and detention.

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What they’re saying

“U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan slammed ICE for 'stalling' the prod...”

— U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan (Courthouse News)

What’s next

The judge is expected to further investigate ICE's detention practices and determine if the agency has been transparent in its operations.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious questions about the lack of oversight and transparency in ICE's detention system, with the judge's reaction suggesting a pattern of the agency concealing information from the courts tasked with monitoring its activities.