Democrats Denied Access at ICE Detention Center
On Saturday, three Minnesota Democratic lawmakers were removed from an ICE facility after federal officials revoked their access during a scheduled visit. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison arrived at the Whipple Building in Fort Snelling shortly after 9 a.m. This site is home to the regional ICE headquarters and an immigration court.
Initially, armed officials stood at the entrance before allowing the lawmakers inside. However, after about 30 minutes, they were ordered to leave. Omar noted that officials openly explained the situation: “Yes, the law is on your side, but we don’t care. And we’re not going to allow you to carry out your oversight.”
The Pioneer Press reported that the councilors believed they had received prior approval from the former acting board president, who had resigned shortly before. They observed around 20 detainees in a surveillance area and commented on the scene; Morrison remarked on the young people there, seemingly distressed with “their heads in their hands.”
Officials prevented the lawmakers from speaking with detainees or even providing hygiene supplies, arguing that detainees didn’t stay long enough to require such items. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, justified the decision by citing a violation of protocol that requires seven days’ notice for visits by Congress members. She also mentioned safety concerns following protests that occurred the previous night.
Craig, however, countered this rationale, referencing a December court ruling that allowed Congress to perform unannounced visits to federal facilities. This incident transpired just days after an ICE officer in Minneapolis shot and killed a 37-year-old woman, which had led to extensive protests throughout the area. In fact, more than a dozen protesters were arrested at the same location just days prior.
Despite the setbacks, all three lawmakers expressed their commitment to continue advocating for access to oversight at the facility.
