Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)
Shortly before their oversight visit, all detainees were transported out of the facility
EAGAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following their oversight visit to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. Shortly before their scheduled visit last month, all detainees were transported out of the facility, leaving the Congresswomen unable to speak to detainees and offer privacy release forms. Reps. Craig and Omar had previously attempted to conduct congressional oversight of the facility but were denied entry.
In a letter to outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the Congresswomen expressed concern that no detainees were present during the visit and pressed Noem about conflicting information they had received from regional ICE officials and constituents. They also slammed Noem for previously denying them their constitutional right to conduct unannounced oversight visits.
“It is apparent to us that officials in Whipple used the time between our notice and our visit to formulate a plan to remove detainees from the premises or obscure their presence, and to carefully prepare the facility,” the Members wrote. “To be clear, this is why Members of Congress have the legal authority to conduct these kinds of oversight visits without giving prior notice. The attempts by you and by the Trump Administration to sweep detention center conditions under the rug reeks of cowardice, and it begs the question: what do you have to hide?”
“During our visit, we were unable to observe any individuals in custody, speak with detainees or independently verify the conditions under which individuals are being held,” the Members continued. “Upon arrival, we were told that five detainees remained in the building, and when we asked to provide them with privacy release forms, our request was denied. As we were escorted toward the holding area to visually confirm the presence of detainees, we were abruptly informed that no detainees remained, and we were shown only empty cells. Even more concerning, our staff has since heard reports that there were in fact detainees still on the premises during our visit.”
“The purpose of congressional oversight is to ensure transparency and compliance with federal law,” the Members concluded. “Actions designed to obstruct or window-dress such oversight undermine public trust and raise further questions about the treatment of detained individuals. Minnesotans deserve better, and the American people deserve better.”
You can read the full text of the letter here.
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