A planned demonstration by several Democratic members of Congress took an unexpected turn on Saturday, resulting in a public denial of access to a federal immigration facility. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison arrived at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis with a clear intention: to inspect the conditions within the ICE processing center housed inside.
The initial attempt to enter the building was met by federal agents, documented in circulating video footage. While the congresswomen were briefly permitted inside the Whipple Building, their access was quickly curtailed when they sought to reach the actual processing center. The situation escalated, leading to their removal from the facility.
Representative Omar immediately voiced her frustration, stating on a social media platform that she and her colleagues were denied entry despite what she believes is a constitutional right for congressional oversight of detention facilities. She emphasized the public’s right to know what occurs within these centers.
Representative Craig later explained the reason given for the denial: the facility’s funding source. She stated officials cited a recent funding bill, referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” as the reason they were not subject to congressional access granted through standard appropriations.
Craig vehemently disputed this explanation, asserting it was “complete nonsense” and accusing the officials of knowingly violating the law. She claimed that when she pointed out the legal issue, she was met with indifference. The congresswoman expressed disbelief at the response.
Representative Morrison echoed Craig’s explanation, confirming that the “Big Beautiful Bill” was the justification provided for blocking their visit to the ICE processing center. The incident has sparked debate regarding congressional access to federal facilities and the implications of alternative funding sources.
The unfolding events left the representatives visibly frustrated and questioning the transparency of operations within the ICE facility. The denial of access has fueled calls for greater accountability and oversight of immigration detention practices.
