U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar has accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, of restricting her congressional oversight visit to Camp East Montana, the largest ICE detention facility in the United States.
Escobar, a Democrat representing El Paso, Texas, said she was prevented from speaking directly with detained immigrants during her visit and has not received surveillance footage related to two disturbances reported at the facility earlier this month.
Camp East Montana, located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, has capacity for about 5,000 detainees. The facility has faced allegations concerning overcrowding, abuse, medical care and management, while federal authorities have defended ongoing improvements.
The Department of Homeland Security disputed Escobar’s account, saying members of Congress remain able to request meetings with detainees and tour ICE facilities.
Escobar has called for greater transparency and accountability over the facility and the private contractor operating it.
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