Three New York lawmakers were stopped at the Metropolitan Detention Center's front entrance during an unannounced visit, aimed at inspecting conditions for over 100 migrants held there. They cited their congressional oversight duties and claimed an inherent right to access the facility. This incident marks a continuation of previous instances where lawmakers have been barred from ICE facilities, with some Congress members now pursuing legal action against the agency. They expressed alarm, emphasizing the importance of oversight and accountability in this context.
Reps. Nydia Velázquez, Adriano Espaillat, and Dan Goldman attempted to inspect conditions within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention unit but were denied entry.
The lawmakers argued that their unannounced visit was part of their congressional oversight duties and asserted their legal right to supervise the facility.
Some Congress members are suing the agency for denying access, claiming it violates federal law, highlighting their frustrations with being barred from ICE facilities.
Goldman characterized the denial of access as alarming, comparing it to authoritarian fascism, which conceals individuals and obstructs necessary oversight.
Collection
[
|
...
]