Lawmakers Denied Access to ICE Facility Amid Controversial New Policy
MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig were denied entry to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Minneapolis this past weekend, a move attributed to a newly implemented visitation policy from the Department of Homeland Security.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and congressional oversight. The new policy limiting access to ICE facilities raises questions about transparency and accountability in the treatment of detainees, particularly amidst heightened scrutiny following controversial incidents involving federal immigration agents.
Key Developments
- Policy Block: The Department of Homeland Security’s recent policy mandates that requests for visits to ICE facilities must be submitted at least seven days in advance.
- Legal Background: A federal court ruling affirmed that lawmakers have the right to unannounced visits to immigration facilities funded by regular congressional appropriations.
- Controversial Funding: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s memo asserts that the facilities in question are funded through a different appropriations act, justifying the new access restrictions.
- Recent Incident: The denial of access occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, which has raised serious questions about law enforcement practices.
Full Report
Blocked Access
On Saturday, Congresswomen Omar, Morrison, and Craig arrived at the ICE facility located in the Whipple Federal Building. Initially permitted entry, they were shortly thereafter instructed to leave. Rep. Craig indicated that federal agents cited the funding source under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as the basis for restricting unannounced visits.
Administration’s Position
In her memo, Secretary Noem articulated that the advance notice for visits is crucial for the safety of both congressional members and the individuals detained, as well as ICE staff. She characterized unannounced visits as creating chaos and undermining proper oversight, suggesting that such actions have devolved into publicity stunts rather than legitimate oversight efforts.
Local Reactions
In light of the recent shooting involving an ICE agent, the congresswomen emphasized their responsibility to ensure humane treatment for detainees. Rep. Craig voiced strong criticism of the current administration’s immigration policies, stating, "It is our job as members of Congress to make sure those folks detained are treated with humanity because we are the damn United States of America!"
Context & Previous Events
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed last summer, provides substantial funding for immigration detention centers amid overcapacity issues. It allocates approximately $45 billion for the operation and maintenance of these facilities, along with additional funds to expand ICE’s workforce. Last week, the community felt the impact of an ICE agent-involved shooting that left a 37-year-old woman dead, further complicating the dialogue around immigration enforcement in the area.
