Three U.S. representatives from Riverside County tried to visit federal jail on Friday, but one person (the only Republican) was lost, news outlets report.
Representatives Jay Obernolte, Raul Lewis and Norma Torres have tried to join the Adelanto Ice Processing Center, but only Obernolte, a Republican from Hesperia, reportedly reportedly was reportedly told.
Palm Desert and Ontario Democrats Lewis and Torres were each denied entry.
Homeland Security officials claimed that Obenorte provided advance notice of his visit, but Lewis and Torres were not, but Democrats posted in social media documents for advance notices.
Obernolte praised the facility’s terms after his visit.
“It is clear that this facility is doing its job. We ensure that detainees are treated humanely — with access to medical care, legal representatives and timely hearings — we will help ICE carry out our mission to enforce our immigration law,” he said on social media. “Supporting the rule of law means having a fair and effective system, and the Adelanto Centre will play an important role in its efforts.”
In an email to Press EntelPrize, Torres said, “We are pleased to have had the opportunity to visit the Adelante facility, but Democrats deserve the same access.”
“DHS does not exceed the law. Denied access to Democrats is not only illegal, but it is a dangerous abuse of power,” Torres said.
Federal officials challenged Torres’ claims.
“Rep. Raul Lewis and Norma Torres appeared on a approved visit by Rep. Obernoltte. “They were encouraged to be willing to accept that ICE was pleased with their visit if they were scheduled in accordance with (Homeland Security) policy.”
