Congress Members Denied Access to NYC Migrant Detention Center: What Are They Hiding?

New York Congress Members Denied Access to Migrant Detention Center New York City – Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velázquez, both Democrats, were denied access to 26 Federal Plaza on June 9th, 2025. This federal building is currently housing asylum-seeking migrants. The representatives, exercising their right to oversight, arrived unannounced to inspect the facility. However, they were denied entry. "Today, ICE violated all of our rights," stated Rep. Espaillat in a press conference following the incident. He emphasized the importance of congressional oversight to ensure that operations in federal buildings are conducted legally and correctly. Rep. Velázquez added, "We, as members of Congress, have the duly constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight in a place like this. What is it that they are hiding?" Her comments highlight the concern surrounding the lack of transparency and the representatives' inability to fulfill their oversight duties. The incident raises questions about accountability and transparency within the federal immigration system. The denial of access to elected officials underscores the need for further investigation into the conditions and treatment of asylum-seeking migrants held at 26 Federal Plaza.