Congress Must Have Unobstructed Access to ICE and Federal Facilities

Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), joined by Reps. Maxwell Frost (FL-10) and Delia Ramirez (IL-03), introduced the Congressional Oversight Access Act to put a stop to this alarming abuse of power. In a disturbing escalation of executive overreach, Members of Congress are being blocked—and even arrested—while carrying out their constitutional duty to oversee federal agencies like ICE and the Dept. of Homeland Security.

When elected representatives like Rep. LaMonica McIver and Senator Alex Padilla are met with force or retaliation for fulfilling their oversight duties, it’s more than an outrage—it’s a threat to democracy itself. “It is our constitutional duty to oversee the executive branch,” said Rep. Lee. “We will not be intimidated or silenced.”

The bill makes it illegal for federal officials, including ICE, to use force or obstruct Members conducting oversight. It guarantees safe, lawful access to detention centers, prisons, and federal agencies—essential checks to protect human rights and ensure the lawful use of taxpayer dollars.

“This is about keeping human rights intact—regardless of who’s President,” said Rep. Frost. Rep. Ramirez echoed, “The Administration must not persecute those fulfilling their constitutional oath.”

This legislation is a crucial defense against authoritarian tendencies. The message is clear: Congress will not be bullied out of holding power accountable. The right to oversee federal detention facilities, especially ICE, is non-negotiable—our democracy depends on it.

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