DILLEY, Texas (AP) — Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro and Jasmine Crockett embarked on a visit to the Texas facility housing an Ecuadorian boy and his father, whose detention has ignited protests regarding the Trump administration's immigration policies in Minnesota.
Castro stated that the aim of the visit was not only to meet with the family, transferred to Texas after being detained in a Minneapolis suburb, but also to discuss conditions with other detainees at the facility, where reports have surfaced about challenging living conditions.
Outside the South Texas Family Residential Center, dozens of protesters waved signs and flags, reflecting the growing dissent over the treatment of detainees, including demonstrations initiated by those inside the facility over the weekend.
“We’re going to find out shortly whether they will honor their commitments and allow us to perform our duties as members of Congress to check on the welfare of these individuals,” Castro remarked in a video posted online.
This visit emphasizes the Democrats' efforts in an election year aimed at conducting congressional oversight and spotlighting the consequences of immigration policies championed by President Trump.
In the past, officials have denied access to ICE facilities to some members of Congress, but Castro indicated that detainees in Dilley were permitted by either the administration or the private contractor managing the facility to sign up for meetings with him and Crockett.
Denial of Access to Congress Members
The immigration enforcement actions led to the apprehension of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, on Jan. 20 in Minneapolis. This operation incited large-scale public protests and condemnation in the city, with two U.S. citizens reportedly shot by federal officers during the crackdown.
A federal judge recently issued a temporary order to prevent the Trump administration from deporting Ramos and Arias, as their detention faces legal challenges.
Critics from the Democratic side have pointed fingers at the administration for its restrictive access to ICE facilities. On Jan. 10, a group of Minnesota representatives, including Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, and Ilhan Omar, were denied entrance to see detainees due to a recently implemented policy requiring seven days' notice.
This same policy has also been leveraged to prevent Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, from entering the Dilley facility. Murphy expressed concerns that such denials obstruct Congress from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to oversee institutions within the executive branch.
A recent ruling from a federal judge declined to enforce greater accessibility for lawmakers wishing to inspect detention conditions.
Democrats Push Back Against Immigration Policies
Castro, a significant figure in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for operating what he described as an unlawful immigration enforcement agenda.
Both Castro and Crockett are advocating for Noem's impeachment due to her handling of immigration operations, alongside efforts to block funding bills that support enforcement agencies under her department.
“We absolutely have to clean house,” Crockett asserted during a recent debate, indicating a readiness to make significant changes.
The Republican-majority House has moved forward with the DHS funding bill, backed by a few Democratic votes, ahead of a potential government shutdown as stated by several Senate Democrats post the tragic death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, leading to a reevaluation of support for funding decisions.
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Reporters Gonzalez and Barrow contributed to this story from McAllen, Texas, and Atlanta, respectively.
