Rep. Gabe Vasquez, CHC Members Demand DHS End Illegal Restrictions on Oversight of Detention Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) in demanding that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately end its illegal restrictions on Members of Congress conducting oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities.

In a letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the Members made clear that DHS's new processes and protocols - which require seven days' notice and other arbitrary restrictions - violate federal law and keep Congress from performing its legal oversight duties. Under this administration, Members have even been made to jump through unnecessary and illegal hoops or denied entry to certain ICE detention facilities entirely.

"These facilities are funded by billions of taxpayer dollars and exhibit persistent issues related to health and safety, human rights, and waste, fraud, and abuse. It is imperative that Members conduct timely oversight to determine whether public funds are being spent as mandated by Congress and ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals who are detained by the government," said the Members.

The letter comes amid mounting reports of dangerous and inhumane conditions in ICE facilities, from insufficient food and crumbling walls at Delaney Hall in New Jersey to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions at facilities in Florida and New York. Despite billions of taxpayer funds spent on detention contracts, these problems persist nationwide, raising serious concerns.

The letter urges DHS to immediately stop any actions by its personnel or contractors that delay or deny congressional visits, saying timely oversight is essential to ensure those in detention are treated with dignity and taxpayer dollars are spent as intended.

For full text of the letter, click here.

Rep. Vasquez has been a strong advocate for accountability in immigration enforcement and the protection of immigrant families in New Mexico. With his Humane Accountability Act and leading role in the New Dem Immigration & Border Security Framework, he is fighting for a balanced, humane approach to border security and immigration policy that keeps communities safe while upholding the dignity of all people.

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