Maryland Democrats Stage Sit-In at ICE Facility
On Monday afternoon, members of the Maryland Democratic Congressional delegation organized a sit-in at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. This building had been used to temporarily detain individuals, and they resorted to this action after being denied a tour of the facility.
Democrats Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, among others, attempted to gain access to the facility to address what they describe as inadequate conditions for undocumented immigrants in custody. A statement from one member indicated that they were protesting for those detained, referring to them as “members,” even though many detainees in the area are immigrants who have committed offenses.
Sarah Elfreth, another Maryland Democrat involved in the sit-in, took to social media, mentioning that many in her community are affected by the conditions at the Baltimore facility. “Our members, our families, have reached out to us,” she said in a video, emphasizing that she and her colleagues were there to advocate on their behalf. Elfreth pointed out that, according to available data, around 80% of those detained have no criminal history.
After their tour request was denied, Elfreth shared how they felt compelled to sit outside and demonstrate their presence. “We weren’t allowed in, so we had to stand outside and knock on the door,” explained Kweisi Mfume, a senior member of the House Oversight Committee. Eventually, the facility director emerged to clarify that they had been instructed not to allow entry to anyone from Congress.
An ICE representative remarked that lawmakers did not have the authority to enter, noting that the facility mainly serves as a short-term holding area. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a known gang member and human trafficker, was mentioned as an example of someone who had once been detained there before deportation.
Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris, the sole Republican in the delegation, criticized his Democratic colleagues for staging the protest. He argued that they had not taken adequate action to prevent illegal immigration or gang activity in Maryland, but were now using this sit-in for publicity.
A recent poll indicated that voters currently have more trust in Republicans than Democrats regarding the management of immigration issues.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security noted that requests for tours of ICE facilities must be properly approved and reminded that visits should not interfere with ongoing operations. Requests should also be made in a timely manner to respect executive authority.
As of now, a representative for Elfreth has not provided an update on the situation or responded to inquiries.
