Horizon, operated<\/a> by the Administration for Children\u2019s Services (ACS), is one of two city-run juvenile detention centers with the \u201cmost restrictive security features\u201d designed for \u201cyouth who pose the highest risk or who have been accused of committing serious offenses.\u201d The Bronx Times contacted ACS but did not hear back in time for publication.\u00a0<\/p>\n ACS describes Horizon as offering medical, dental and mental health services, high school and college programming, recreation, a law library and youth rights unit. However, elected officials questioned whether such services are being adequately provided under the current circumstances.\u00a0<\/p>\n Septimo said the visit aimed to ensure the safety of young people and staff in light of the recent brawl. \u201cWhat we found inside is a situation of inherent dangerousness,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The facility has a capacity of 121 individuals but is currently housing more than 150, according to Septimo. \u201cThat is a recipe for disaster.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Septimo said the young people inside deserved quality support services aimed at true rehabilitation. But currently, \u201cWhile the staff are trying their best, they are simply underresourced and unable to meet the needs of all the individuals being held here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Programming at the center has improved over time, staff said, but she questioned whether an understaffed facility can actually deliver. There seem to be \u201ctwo stories happening, and that what is intended is not necessarily living up to reality,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Septimo called on the city to expedite the current construction project, which will add about 50 more beds and increase recreational space but is not expected to be completed until early 2029. She also said elected officials want to see work on a staffing plan and a comprehensive approach to delivering safety and services.<\/p>\n Serrano said he had empathy for those at Horizon and recognized that many are \u201ctalented individuals\u201d whose potential is not being fulfilled.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone deserves additional chances,\u201d especially young people who have years ahead to reform their lives, he said. \u201cIn the facility that is overcrowded and does need additional resources, we have to do better to ensure they have what they need.\u201d<\/p>\n Sep\u00falveda called the inspection \u201can eye-opening experience\u201d that showed Horizon is \u201clacking in many respects\u201d \u2014 worse than the others he\u2019s visited as former Senate chair of crime and corrections, he said.<\/p>\n Sep\u00falveda called for a thorough investigation and said, \u201cWhen you see facilities that are not conducive to a young person bettering themself, we have to better, as a city and state.\u201d<\/p>\n He also said that the violent brawl in June happened because young people somehow managed to obtain keys and gain access to scalpels, and that upgrading the locking systems could help in such incidents. But as of now, it remains \u201ca major concern\u201d that violence could break out again at any time, Sep\u00falveda said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The elected officials said they would continue to visit and press the city and state to find solutions for Horizon, which was overseen by a federal monitor from 2018 until last year, when the monitor ended its oversight<\/a>.<\/p>\n Reach Emily Swanson at\u00a0eswanson@schnepsmedia.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0(646) 717-0015<\/a>. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/20260720_103227-rotated.jpg\")
Barbed wire and cameras outside the Horizon Juvenile Center. Photo by Emily Swanson<\/p>\n