NY Congressmen Denied Access to ICE Office, Cite "Gestapo Tactics"

Denied Oversight Access

• 🏛️ Reps. Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler were denied access to an ICE field office for an oversight visit, despite having statutory rights to enter facilities housing immigrants.
• 🚫 They were told the facility was not a detention center, even though individuals were reportedly staying there for two or more nights on benches and the floor.
• ⚠️ This denial is seen as a violation of the law and an attempt to hide conditions from congressional oversight.

Concerns Over Immigrant Treatment

• ⚖️ The congressmen expressed concern about the conditions immigrants are held in during a "mass deportation scheme."
• 🚫 They noted that non-violent, non-criminal immigrants are being processed and then targeted for expedited removal, with government motions to dismiss their cases being rejected by the immigrants themselves.
• 🕵️ The use of masked ICE and FBI agents, pulled from investigating serious crimes, is questioned as a tactic to intimidate and obscure identities.

Legal and Political Recourse

• 📈 The congressmen plan to escalate the issue through the Department of Homeland Security and their committee, seeking a joint request for access.
• 🏛️ If denied, they are considering legal action, including filing a lawsuit to enforce their right to inspect detention facilities.
• 🗣️ They criticize the administration's interpretation of the law and call on Republican colleagues to join in demanding transparency.

"Gestapo Tactics" and Due Process

• 🚨 The congressmen described the actions of ICE agents as "Gestapo tactics," citing incidents of shackling elected officials and staff without apparent cause.
• ⚖️ They argue that asylum is a lawful pathway and that the government is attempting to deceive immigrants and prevent them from making their asylum claims.
• ❓ The lack of transparency and the denial of basic due process principles, such as access to lawyers and the ability to be heard, are highlighted as critical issues.

Call for Transparency and Action

• 📢 The congressmen emphasize that their visits are not political stunts but attempts to exercise constitutional duty and bring transparency to government actions.
• ❓ They question what the administration is hiding that necessitates such secrecy and the denial of their oversight authority.
• ✊ Despite public frustration and limited congressional power, they are committed to escalating efforts and pursuing legal avenues to ensure the administration follows the law.