Minnesota Lawmakers Denied Access to ICE Detention Center
Three Minnesota members of Congress, U.S. Reps. Kelly Morrison, Angie Craig, and Ilhan Omar, were denied access to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility at Fort Snelling on Saturday morning. The lawmakers had initially been granted permission to enter the facility to check conditions as part of their congressional oversight duties. However, shortly after entering the Whipple Federal Building, they were told that “higher-ups” had rescinded that permission and ordered them to leave.
Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Transparency and Treatment of Detainees
The Democratic trio expressed concerns over the transparency and treatment of detainees at the facility. They were allowed to see part of the facility’s monitoring or control room, where they observed about 20 detainees. However, they were not allowed to speak to any of them. “We saw a lot of young men sitting with their heads in their hands,” Morrison said. “We are better than this.”
When asked about showers, the lawmakers were told there were showers but they couldn’t view them. When asked about hygiene products, the lawmakers were told detainees weren’t there long enough to need them. The lawmakers also learned that two planes were leaving Saturday to fly detainees to another U.S. detention center.
ICE Officials Cite Safety and Compliance Concerns
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin provided a statement citing safety and compliance concerns as the reason for denying the lawmakers access. According to McLaughlin, the lawmakers had led a group of protesters to the facility the previous day, and the visit was not in compliance with existing court orders and policies. The lawmakers were told that they must notify ICE at least seven days in advance of congressional visits.
Craig disputed this claim, stating that they had followed the proper procedures and were initially granted permission to enter the facility. She also pointed out that a December court ruling affirms Congress’ authority to conduct oversight.
Lawmakers Vow to Continue Seeking Access
The three lawmakers vowed to continue seeking access to the facility and called on members of Congress from both parties to defend congressional oversight and ensure detainees are treated humanely. “It is our job as members of Congress to make sure those folks detained are treated with humanity,” Craig said. “We are better than this. This is not a partisan statement. We are better than this, America.”
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