ICE defends blocking Maryland Democrats from detention center, claims support for migrants

Escalating Tensions Over Access to ICE Detention Facilities

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken a firm stance in defending its decision to deny Maryland members of Congress access to a detention facility in Baltimore. The agency’s response highlights growing tensions between the Democratic lawmakers from Maryland and the Republican-led Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration policies.

On Monday, six Democratic members of Maryland’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, were denied entry to inspect conditions at the holding facility inside the Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore. The lawmakers sat on the floor in a corridor outside the door before attempting to plead their case with Nikita Baker, the acting field office director. Their request was ultimately rejected.

In a statement released Tuesday, ICE explained that the lawmakers were turned away for safety and security reasons. The agency emphasized that all personnel, as well as individuals in ICE custody, must be protected. According to the statement, the members had not provided advance notice of their visit, which is a requirement under current protocols.

“Secretary (Kristi) Noem has made it very clear that U.S. lawmakers are to provide advanced notice before visiting ICE detention centers and processing facilities,” the statement said. It specifically mentioned Reps. Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski Jr., Sarah Elfreth, and Glenn Ivey, who were among those denied access.

However, according to a letter dated July 21, the lawmakers had informed ICE of their intention to visit. The letter, addressed to Noem and Todd Lyons, ICE’s acting director, did not specify the exact date of the visit. Nevertheless, the lawmakers cited a 2024 federal law that allows them to arrive unannounced for oversight purposes.

The Baltimore facility has been in the spotlight due to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Prince George’s County sheet metal worker who was detained and mistakenly deported to his native El Salvador in March. Congressional Democrats have used this incident to highlight what they see as the administration’s disregard for immigrants’ rights. In contrast, the administration has labeled Abrego Garcia as a gang member and human trafficker who should not be allowed to remain in the United States.

ICE’s statement on Tuesday singled out Senator Alsobrooks for criticism, pointing to her past role as State’s Attorney and County Executive in Prince George’s County. The agency noted that the county is known for refusing to honor ICE immigration detainers. “Her former office’s track record of releasing dangerous aliens back into her community speaks volumes,” the statement claimed.

Alsobrooks, during her tenure as county executive, declined to enter into an agreement with ICE. Her Senate campaign stated that while she supports collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies to remove gang members and violent criminals, she believes local authorities should not be involved in routine immigration enforcement.

After being turned away from the facility on Monday, Alsobrooks expressed frustration, stating that “it was abundantly clear that the people working in this facility have been instructed to hide the horror of the inhumane treatment of the people in their custody. And the man behind it all — Donald Trump — clearly does not care about any of us.”

In May, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement reminding Congress members and staff that they must comply with facility rules and instructions from ICE personnel for the safety of everyone involved. This directive came after the indictment of Democratic Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey over a physical altercation with an ICE agent at a detention facility. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges.