Minnesota Democrats Blocked at ICE Facility Visit

Clear Facts

• Three Democratic congresswomen were removed from a Minnesota ICE detention center during an oversight visit.
• Officials said they violated a policy requiring seven days advance notice for congressional visits.
• The incident occurred days after a recent ICE-involved shooting sparked protests in Minneapolis.

On Saturday, Minnesota Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison were removed from the Whipple Building, an ICE facility near Fort Snelling.

Their access was revoked about 30 minutes after entry, with armed agents initially forming a line at the entrance.

Omar explained to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press that staff told her,

“When we got upstairs, the explanation we got was, ‘Yes, the law’s on your side, but we don’t care. And we are not going to allow you to fulfill your oversight.’”

The lawmakers said they had prior authorization from a former acting director who left days before the visit.

They were denied the chance to speak with detainees or view showers, and officials claimed detainees did not need hygiene products due to short stays.

Before leaving, the congresswomen observed about 20 detainees in a monitoring room.

Congresswoman Morrison described the scene as “a lot of young men sitting with their heads in their hands.”

The Department of Homeland Security said the lawmakers broke protocol by not providing required notice and referenced safety worries after recent riots targeting ICE officers.

Craig rejected the explanation, citing a court ruling upholding Congress’s right to make unannounced oversight visits.

Protests erupted after an ICE officer was involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good, with multiple arrests occurring at the same facility just days before the lawmakers’ visit.

All three representatives promised to continue fighting for oversight access at ICE detention centers.

Are lawmakers overreaching, or are new security protocols necessary? Stay informed as this tension continues to unfold.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read the full report at Daily Caller