Two Democratic lawmakers were prevented from entering Manhattan’s immigration court on Tuesday, a move criticized as a pointless stunt by some observers.

Representatives Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler sought to visit the federal building after reports surfaced of immigrants forced to sleep on benches for days at 26 Federal Plaza.

“Our goal was to exercise our constitutional oversight of ICE and its detention facilities,” Goldman explained, referencing the chaotic arrest of Brad Lander the previous day, who was detained but later released without charges.

“We are permitted by law to arrive unannounced and check on these detention centers, yet we were denied entry. That’s unacceptable,” Goldman added.

Goldman and Nadler were met by ICE Deputy Field Director Bill Joyce, who confirmed that some immigrants had been made to sleep on the floor inside the facility.

The lawmakers did not face arrest, unlike Lander, a mayoral candidate who tried to escort an immigrant from a court hearing—where ICE agents were waiting to detain individuals for possible deportation—and was subsequently taken into custody.

Lander was previously handcuffed and detained while observing a court proceeding, but he was released later that day. The incident drew criticism from political figures who called the arrest unnecessary.

Hochul, who was in NYC for public appearances, dismissed the arrest as “bulls–t.”

The current federal administration has increased deportation efforts, aiming for around 3,000 ICE arrests daily, a policy that has caused tension within the agency. Many officers complain that the focus has shifted from violent offenders to mass detentions of non-criminal individuals.

Despite the aggressive approach, critics argue the emphasis is on numbers rather than justice or safety. Officials from ICE have not issued comments regarding the recent incidents.