MD Congressional members denied access to ICE facility

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Maryland lawmakers were blocked from entering an ICE detention facility in Baltimore during an official oversight visit, raising concerns about transparency and conditions within the facility.

The visit, which took place on Monday, July 28, was intended to allow lawmakers to inspect conditions and speak with detainees amid reports of substandard conditions, including inadequate access to food and medical care.

“We’ve been getting reports from people who had been detained there that the facility was substandard,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (D), one of the lawmakers denied access.

Lawmakers have a legal right to conduct oversight of ICE facilities. This right is supported by existing laws and the constitutional power of Congress to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately.

Despite notifying ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of their visit, the lawmakers were turned away, which Congressman Ivey described as part of a pattern of illegal activities by the Trump administration regarding immigration policies.

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