
NEW YORK CITY — TWO CONGRESSMEMBERS were denied an oversight visit at federal immigration court on Wednesday, June 18, the day after City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested for aiding an immigrant whose case had been dismissed, reports CBS News. Reps. Dan Goldman (D-10) and Jerry Nadler (D-12) planned to observe court proceedings at 26 Federal Plaza, the same location where Lander was arrested on Tuesday. The congressmembers also requested access to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office located inside the same building.
Goldman, a former prosecutor in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District sits on the House Judiciary (with Nadler) and Homeland Security Committees. They provided advance notice, even though the existing statute allows them to appear unannounced. Upon being denied access, Goldman clarified that the statute “very clearly says that we are allowed into any facility that is being used ‘to detain or otherwise house aliens.’”
According to the Congressional website Constitution Annotated, the U.S. Supreme Court’s longstanding interpretation of Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 recognizes Congress’ “plenary power over immigration, giving it almost complete authority to decide whether foreign nationals … may enter or remain in the United States.”
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SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.