San Diego-area Reps. Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) and Scott Peters (D-San Diego) staged a press conference Monday morning in front of the downtown federal courthouse to bring attention to how federal authorities are detaining immigrants.

The two Democrats said they’ve heard reports that the number of people being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the basement of the federal building could exceed the building’s capacity.

“We’ve had reports to our office that a number of people have been detained and held in the basement of the building far beyond any of the standards that are humane and legally necessary,” Vargas said.

KPBS reached out to ICE for confirmation on whether detainees are held in the federal building’s basement — and if so, for how long. A spokesperson did not

See Full Page