ICE blocks New York congressmen from entering detention centers

New York.- The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to prevent the entry of congressmen to immigrant detention centers, which has generated strong criticism for the lack of transparency. The most recent case involves Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who, along with Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Dan Goldman (NY-10), was denied entry to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn. “It is outrageous and unacceptable to deny members of Congress access to a federal detention center,” declared Espaillat, who demanded the cancellation of the contract between ICE and that prison. For her part, Congresswoman Velázquez described the action as “a clear violation of the law.” ICE had already blocked similar visits at other facilities, which has led to a federal lawsuit by Democratic lawmakers, alleging opacity and possible abuse in centers where more than 100 immigrants are detained.

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Organizations like the ACLU also criticized the lockdown. “Denying members of Congress access to the detention of immigrants violates their right to oversee at a time when we need it most,” warned Sarah Mehta of the ACLU. ICE faces increasing pressure for what many consider a serious lack of transparency in the management of its detention centers.