New York.- La U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to prevent congressional access to immigrant detention centers, generating strong criticism for lack of transparency.
The latest case involves Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who, along with Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Rep. 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,” Espaillat said, calling for the cancellation of the contract between ICE and that prison. On her part, Rep. Velázquez described the action as “a clear violation of the law.”
ICE had already blocked similar visits at other facilities, leading to a federal lawsuit by Democratic lawmakers, alleging opacity and possible abuse in centers holding over 100 immigrants.
Organizations such as the ACLU also criticized the blockade. “Denying members of Congress access to immigrant detention violates their right to oversee at a time when we need it most,” warned Sarah Mehta, of the ACLU.
ICE faces growing pressure for what many consider a grave lack of transparency in managing its detention centers.
