Immigrants appearing on short notice for required check-ins with a private contractor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are being detained after their meetings in Lower Manhattan, sometimes as sobbing family members look on.

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. They were whisked away in cars marked as federal law enforcement vehicles.

The cars then entered the garage underneath another nearby federal building, at 26 Federal Plaza. At least one of the officers wore an ICE badge.

At least 16 people were detained at the Elk Street office on Tuesday, according to local news outlet The City, which first reported the arrests.

The offi

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