WASHINGTON – Over the weekend, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) was scheduled to conduct her second oversight visit to the Eloy Detention Center, an ICE facility in central Arizona. Despite complying with the newly imposed guidance by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ansari received notification that she was denied access to meet with her detained constituents less than 24 hours before the scheduled visit.
“Even after the Trump Administration put in place phony new guidance to make it more difficult for Members of Congress to do our oversight work, I followed their news rules,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03). “My office gave them a seven-day notice of my visit and privacy release forms of constituents I hoped to meet with. They let us know the visit was approved, but less than 24 hours before I was set to make the trip, they changed their minds with no explanation.”
Ansari planned to visit following a surge of concerns from families who have reached out to her congressional office, expressing fear over the conditions at the facility and the inadequate medical care being provided to detainees.
WATCH Ansari’s explainer video.
BACKGROUND
On May 29, Ansari conducted a surprise visit to the Eloy Detention Center. While inside, Ansari heard stories that confirmed reports of dehumanizing treatment towards detainees, dirty and uninhabitable living conditions, and lack of medical and mental health care. She was denied meetings with specific detainees with whom she requested meeting.
Following her first visit, Ansari sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons detailing her deep concerns about the inhumane conditions of the Eloy ICE Detention Center and demanding answers and independent oversight. She requested a response by June 23 and has not heard back.
Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.
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