Three Democratic members of the US Congress were forcibly denied entry to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Minnesota on Saturday, in a move they have condemned as a blatant violation of federal law.
Congressional Delegation Ejected Despite Prior Notice
The incident occurred on 10 January 2026 at a facility near the Bishop Whipple federal building in the Twin Cities. The delegation, which included prominent House representative Ilhan Omar alongside colleagues Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison, had informed ICE of their planned oversight visit in advance.
According to Omar, officials initially permitted the group to enter the building. However, their access was abruptly revoked roughly ten minutes later. “Shortly after we were let in, two officials came in and said that they received the message that we were no longer allowed to be in the building,” Omar stated during a press briefing.
A Direct Challenge to Judicial Authority
This blockade directly contradicts a recent federal court ruling. In December, US District Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the Trump administration could not bar members of Congress from visiting immigrant detention facilities, even on unannounced inspections. The judge declared that Homeland Security policies making ICE offices “off-limits for congressional oversight” were unlawful.
Representative Angie Craig was unequivocal in her criticism: “We let ICE know, the Department of Homeland Security know, that they were violating federal law. They do not care... This administration continues to use Minnesota as a political stunt, and earlier this week, it got a woman killed.” Her comment referenced the recent shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis, which has sparked ongoing protests.
Justifications and Ongoing Scrutiny
The representatives reported that facility officials justified denying them further access by citing the centre's funding source, the Big Beautiful Bill Act. Omar also noted observing planes departing the site, adding she was informed they were transferring detainees to other US facilities, not conducting deportations.
When questioned about detainee welfare, Omar said officials claimed individuals were not held long enough to require basic hygiene supplies. This assertion comes amid persistent calls from advocates for improved conditions in ICE holding facilities nationwide.
The confrontation underscores the intense political and legal battles surrounding immigration enforcement and congressional oversight powers in the United States, with Minnesota once again at the centre of the storm.
