‘What is ICE hiding?’: Lawmakers still demanding answers after denied access to detention facility  

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5 / KUSI) -- Democratic Congressmembers wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after being denied access to a detention facility underneath the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building on Oct. 20. Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Scott Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA- 49) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) were denied access a second time on Monday.  

Members of Congress are legally allowed special access to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, even if they do not give prior notice. However, Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) and Vargas were denied access on Oct. 20. 

“As Members of Congress, we have the right and the responsibility to enter detention sites in order to conduct oversight without prior authorization,” Vargas said. “Today, we were again blocked from entering. If nothing is wrong here, why are we not allowed in? What is ICE hiding?” 

The Representatives attempted to visit the Federal Building after reports of ICE detaining people in the building’s basement. The lawmakers said the Officer of Congressional Affairs did not respond to their request for visitation. 

Following their first attempt at entry, Jacobs, Peters, Levin, Vargas, Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff sent a joint letter to DHS secretary Kristi Noem. 

“The Department’s decision not to allocate any staff to review urgent requests for congressional oversight is deeply concerning,” they wrote. “As members of Congress, we have the right and responsibility to conduct governmental oversight of federal agencies.” 

At the Federal Building, ICE officials told the lawmakers they are now requiring Members of Congress to request a visit seven days in advance. After being denied access the first time, they formally requested a visit in writing.  

Leaders said they were met with an automated response reading, “ICE Office of Congressional Relations staff are currently out of the office and unable to respond to emails, phone calls, or perform other work-related duties.”  

The email also stated requests will only be reviewed once funding is restored, according to the lawmakers. 

“Due to the government shutdown, these requests are on hold until the government reopens,” a DHS staff member said, according to the letter.  

“We came here to confirm that the law is being followed,” Vargas said following their second attempt to visit. “After being denied entry again, I cannot say for certain that’s the case. We will continue to push DHS for answers to what is going on here. We will not stand by while we continue to hear reports that people are being held in concerning conditions.”