New Findings Reveal Alleged Medical Neglect, Violence, and Poor Conditions at MDC Federal Jail Near Boro Park

Yisroel R.

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), New York City’s only federal jail, located in Sunset Park right near Boro Park, and famously also the place where former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is being held while awaiting trial, is now facing renewed scrutiny following disturbing new findings alleging widespread medical neglect, violence, and dangerous living conditions inside the facility.

The findings were presented during a September 19 town hall in Bay Ridge, where the Remedy Project, a prisoners’ rights advocacy organization, shared the results of a three-month research effort examining conditions at the federal jail. The organization reported numerous complaints from inmates, including prolonged lockdowns, poor sanitation, inadequate medical care, and alleged mistreatment by prison staff.

Among the most serious allegations were reports of inmates being denied timely medical treatment, including one individual who reportedly suffered a broken neck and three fractured vertebrae but was not taken to a hospital for 43 days. Other complaints included broken emergency call buttons, delays in receiving medical attention, and inadequate treatment for serious health conditions. The organization also reported mold, pest infestations, damaged mattresses, broken toilets, and discolored water throughout parts of the facility.

The findings also raised concerns about violence, staff retaliation, and restrictions on inmates’ access to legal assistance. Since beginning its outreach at MDC in May, the Remedy Project has registered 36 inmates and taken on 37 new cases. The organization has also joined several community and legal advocacy groups in establishing the MDC Brooklyn Community Support Coalition, which aims to address conditions at the facility and provide support to inmates and their families.

MDC Brooklyn has faced years of scrutiny over its conditions, including inmate killings, violent assaults, staffing shortages, and a major power outage in 2019 that sparked widespread protests. Federal authorities have previously taken action to address violence inside the jail, including criminal charges against inmates and a former correctional officer.

In response to the latest allegations, the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintained that it takes its responsibility to provide safe and humane conditions seriously. The agency explained that temporary lockdowns and other security restrictions are sometimes necessary to investigate incidents and protect inmates and staff, adding that inmates continue to have access to medical care, food, water, and other essential services during such periods.