San Diego Democrats Denied Access Twice to ICE Detention Facility Amid Government Shutdown

For the second time in a week, San Diego Democrats — Reps. Juan Vargas, Scott Peters, Mike Levin and Sara Jacobs (joined in demands by Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff) — attempted to inspect an ICE detention space in the Edward J. Schwartz federal building and were again denied entry. Lawmakers say volunteers and immigration attorneys reported an uptick in people being detained in a basement facility during routine ICE check‑ins and have alleged detainees may be held in subpar conditions without access to attorneys, medical care or proper nutrition, prompting a joint letter demanding answers from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. Local federal officials told the delegation they were following policy — including a claim that seven days' notice is required — and Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said no staff were available to process the request because of the government shutdown. The delegation insists members of Congress have the statutory right to conduct on‑site oversight without prior authorization and called the repeated denials “stonewalling,” vowing to continue pressing DHS for transparency. The refusals have drawn local media scrutiny and heightened concerns from advocates and lawmakers about detainee welfare and lack of transparency at the courthouse facility.