Dexter Denied Access to ICE Facilities, Presses for Accountability

PORTLAND, OR— Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, calling for the reinstatement of congressional oversight and communication functions that ICE has suspended during Trump’s government shutdown.

The letter comes as Dexter has been denied access to ICE facilities on multiple occasions. Earlier this month, Dexter was refused entry into the Portland ICE facility. Despite ICE granting access to right-wing media influencers, officials told Dexter they had explicit instructions to not allow activities related to congressional affairs. This week, Dexter was blocked from conducting congressional oversight at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. While unable to perform her official duties—including monitoring detention conditions and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly—Dexter met with constituents as a private citizen, including Napolean Magaña. 

“At a time when at least 20 people have died in ICE custody this year, the need for oversight could not be more urgent,” said Dexter. “ICE has record funding from Trump’s One Big Betrayal Bill. The only plausible explanation for denying congressional oversight during the shutdown is to hide his cruelty. This isn’t about a lack of funding—it’s about a lack of accountability.”

Read the full text of the letter here. View Dexter’s remarks outside the NW Detention Center here.

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