DENVER — Colorado Rep. Jason Crow announced Wednesday that he is suing the Trump administration after he said he was denied entry to the ICE detention facility in Aurora earlier this month.
The Aurora Democrat claims his denial of entry into the facility on July 20 violated federal law, which "grants Members of Congress the right to conduct unannounced oversight visits of federal immigration detention facilities,” Crow said in a news release.
The lawsuit seeks to ensure members of Congress are granted entry to these facilities even without prior notification.
Crow had previously told Denver7 that giving advanced notice about a congressional oversight visit to the detention centers allows ICE to put on a "dog and pony show."
Politics
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow says Aurora ICE facility denied him entry
The lawsuit is being filed in the District of Columbia Federal Court by Crow, Rep. Joe Neguse of Boulder and 10 other House Democrats who were also denied access to federal detention facilities, the news release read.
In an interview with Denver7's Shannon Ogden just hours after the lawsuit was announced Wednesday, Ogden asked Rep. Crow how legal action would force adherence to the law.
"Well, that's what we're asking the courts to do, to require the administration to follow the law. Then, if they don't, there are remedies available under the law, like anybody who files a lawsuit. It's because there's a violation, a problem that somebody is trying to fix," Crow told Ogden.
- Watch the full interview below
In response to the lawsuit, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin sent an email to the Associated Press.
"These members of Congress could have just scheduled a tour; instead, they’re running to court to drive clicks and fundraising emails,” said McLaughlin.
On July 21, the Department of Homeland Security sent a statement to Denver7 that said Crow was not allowed in because the congressman did not comply with its seven-day advance notice policy.
"ICE is committed to ensuring detainees held in its custody are treated with dignity and respect and housed in suitable detention conditions that provide for their safety and security. To ensure good order of the facility, ICE maintains security protocols to promote the safety of staff, detainees, and the local community. This includes maintaining a secure perimeter, scheduling facility tours, and screening all visitors prior to entry. These practices are intended to maintain good order of the facility and are required by ICE’s detention standards."
During Wednesday's interview with Crow, Ogden asked if the congressman thought ICE's explanation for its advanced notice policy was reasonable.
"No, I don't. We're not going to show up, we're not going to jeopardize anyone's health or safety. I mean, that's an absurd argument," he said. "And there's no examples of people doing that. I'm a person who wants facts and information. That's my job. I'm not looking to impede operations. I would never do that."
Denver7's Shannon Ogden contributed to this report.
