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Minnesota reps denied access to ICE facility as protests persist
Minnesota Democrats were briefly allowed inside the ICE facility but denied full access despite court rulings supporting unannounced congressional oversight visits, officials said.
- Three Minnesota Democratic members of Congress attempted a surprise oversight visit to the ICE facility at the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday but were denied entry by Department of Homeland Security employees.
- DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said lawmakers must follow guidelines and stated, `For the safety of detainees and staff, and in compliance with the agency's mandate, the Members of Congress were notified that their visit was improper and out of compliance with existing court orders and policies which mandate that members of Congress must notify ICE at least seven days in advance of Congressional visits,` McLaughlin wrote.
- During a brief entry, Omar and Morrison said they saw 20 people in the monitoring center after being told they had prior authorization from a local ICE official, but two DHS/ICE officials rescinded their access.
- Concrete barriers were set up Friday near the building, and vehicles carrying immigration agents entered and exited the Whipple Building while officers photographed demonstrators and deployed pepper spray.
- A December 2025 U.S. District Court order limited the seven‑day rule, lawmakers said the denial obstructs oversight, and Omar cited detainees lacking hygiene products, which DHS disputes.
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Minnesota lawmakers denied access to view conditions at ICE detention center Saturday
The Democratic trio said they had been granted permission to enter the facility by the former acting director, who Rep. Ilhan Omar said had been in charge until a few days ago.
·Saint Paul, United States
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left4Leaning Right5Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 20%
C 55%
R 25%
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