CHICAGO — A group of four Illinois Democratic members of Congress was denied entry to a federal immigration processing center in Broadview on Wednesday, sparking renewed scrutiny over transparency and detainee treatment under current immigration enforcement operations.
Congress Members Attempt Oversight Visit
U.S. Reps. Danny Davis, Jesús “Chuy” García, Delia Ramirez, and Jonathan Jackson arrived at the Broadview ICE facility alongside immigration and human rights advocates, requesting to inspect the site without prior appointment.
García told the masked ICE officer at the gate, “We are here by our authority as members of Congress and we seek a meeting and an inspection of this facility.” The group was told that a request must be submitted in advance, which they say contradicts federal access guidelines for elected officials.
“What are they hiding? What is happening there that you need time to let us in?” Rep. Ramirez asked after reading a posted notice stating visits must be requested 72 hours in advance.
Growing Concerns Over Detainee Conditions
Advocates and attorneys present expressed concern about poor conditions inside the facility, which is intended for short-term processing but is allegedly detaining individuals for multiple days.
Reports include claims that detainees are:
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Sleeping on floors
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Being served cold food
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Lacking access to showers
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Facing delays in medical care
Some individuals arrived at the facility Wednesday after receiving ICE check-in notices, unsure whether they would be detained. One man, awaiting his fate, told reporters he hoped to prepare his family before returning to Mexico, fearing sudden deportation.
State Law in Question
Rep. Davis, whose district includes the Broadview facility, cited Illinois’ 2021 Way Forward Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal deportation efforts. He questioned whether the facility was functioning as a de facto detention center, which would violate state law.
ICE and DHS Silent; Congress Pushes Back
Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security responded directly to requests for comment. However, DHS posted on social media, saying that all visitors must comply with ICE procedures — a statement García called “absurd” and misleading.
The lawmakers have since sent a formal letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, demanding entry and oversight rights:
“We demand that you allow us to exercise our right to oversight… Anything less is shameful and illegal,” the letter stated.
Context of National Immigration Tensions
The denial comes amid a broader crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration, with heightened enforcement actions in Democratic-led cities. ICE arrests in Chicago have increased recently, drawing protests and criticism from local immigrant rights groups.
Earlier this week, Rep. Jonathan Jackson and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi were also denied entry to an ICE office on South Michigan Avenue. The issue has become symbolic of what advocates say is a lack of transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson was allowed to tour an ICE field office in Chicago the same morning, according to WGN.
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What Do You Think?
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