Congress Members Barred from Multiple ICE Detention Facilities During Oversight Visits

Several Democratic members of Congress, including representatives from California and New York, were denied entry to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities as they attempted to conduct oversight inspections amid protests and recent immigration raids. Lawmakers sought to investigate reports of overcrowding, poor conditions, and detainees being held in sensitive areas such as the 26 Federal Plaza building in Manhattan and the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials cited the need for advance notice and disruption concerns, despite legal provisions granting Congress special access to such facilities. Congressional representatives, including Maxine Waters, Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velázquez, Judy Chu, and others, condemned the denials as violations of their oversight rights and accused the Trump administration of obstructing transparency. The denials occurred amid heightened tensions following mass raids and protests, with advocates raising alarms about detainees' lack of access to basic necessities. ICE's refusal to allow unannounced inspections has drawn criticism for ignoring legal obligations and escalating political conflict over immigration enforcement and detainee treatment.