DENVER (KDVR) Congressman Jason Crow was denied entry to an Aurora Detention Facility by ICE, according to a press release from Crow’s office on Sunday evening.
The office said that not allowing Crow access to the facility had violated federal law, which grants members of Congress the right to provide oversight of such federal detention facilities.
According to the press release, Crow’s office regularly conducts oversight at that same facility, which includes public reports about the conditions of the facility on his website.
Crow offered a statement on the incident, saying, “Today, I attempted to visit the federal detention facility in Aurora in order to conduct critical oversight as a Member of Congress. I was unlawfully denied access by ICE and the Trump Administration.
“Providing oversight is critical to my job in Congress. The law is clear that Members of Congress have the legal right to conduct unannounced oversight of federal detention facilities.
“Since President Trump was elected, this administration has tried to intimidate Members of Congress from doing their jobs. I will not be deterred from conducting lawful oversight. I will continue working to hold the Trump administration accountable for its actions.”
Crow was not allowed access to the facility during an unannounced 2019 visit, after he heard about reports of disease outbreaks at the facility, which was operated by the GEO Group at the time.
The office said that following the visit, he then led the push for Members of Congress to be able to conduct unannounced, in-person oversight visits of ICE facilities, regarding concerns related to public health, and the humane treatment of the individuals detained at the location.
local affiliate FOX31 reached out to ICE and received a response from the Department of Homeland Security, which stated:
“ICE law enforcement has seen a surge in assaults of 830%, as well as disruptions and obstructions to enforcement, including by politicians themselves.
“For visits to detention facilities, requests should be made with sufficient time to prevent interference with the President’s Article II authority to oversee executive department functions—a week is sufficient to ensure no intrusion on the President’s constitutional authority. To protect the President’s Article II authority, any request to shorten that time must be approved by the Secretary.”
