Lawmakers Barred from Entry into ICE Facility in Minneapolis

Three Democratic representatives from Minnesota reported that they were denied entry into the ICE facility housed in the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Reps. Angie Craig, Ilhan Omar, and Kelly Morrison explained that although they initially gained entry, authorities soon instructed them to exit the premises.

Omar recounted, 'A short time after we entered, two officials approached saying they had received word that our presence in the building was no longer permitted and that our visit was now revoked.'

Craig mentioned, 'Because the center's funding came from the so-called 'Big, Beautiful Bill' rather than the usual congressional appropriations process, they refused our access.'

In a statement, Morrison emphasized that their responsibility includes overseeing taxpayer-funded facilities, which is both a legal right and a constitutional obligation.

A representative from the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, articulated that advance notice of seven days is required for congressional visits.

McLaughlin stated, 'Due to the need to ensure safety and to adhere to agency protocols, it was necessary to inform the congressional members that their visit violated existing policies, which necessitate a prior seven-day notification to ICE.' As a result, Representative Omar and her colleagues were denied access to the facility.

She further mentioned that Omar, Craig, and Morrison must adhere to the official protocols if they wish to visit the location.

The Whipple Federal Building serves as a central hub for federal operations in Minnesota. The denial of entry happened shortly after an incident in which federal officers used pepper balls against protesters.

CBS News Chief Correspondent Matt Gutman described the protest situation where officers advanced through a cloud of chemical agents, which led to chaos and panic among the demonstrators.

The recent demonstrations follow a shooting incident in south Minneapolis involving an ICE officer earlier that week.