LIVE: Democratic Congress Members Try To Get Into NJ Detention Center

Congress Members visit Immigration Detention Ctr. on Father’s Day to highlight how #Trump “Zero Tolerance” policy separates families. They’ve been waiting for nearly 2 hours to get in, speak to detainees.@NY1 pic.twitter.com/ECm0y2jGC3
— Amy Yensi (@amyyensi) June 17, 2018

By Susie Madrak — June 17, 2018

UPDATE: Jerry Nadler makes a statement after the congress members are admitted:

pic.twitter.com/mjx7VuB1MU

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 17, 2018

After being made to wait over an hour. After having to deal with local PD. After banging on the door and making it clear that we WILL NOT MOVE until we're allowed in, ICE is finally granting us access to see individuals who have been separated from their families. pic.twitter.com/coXJNdxsLP

— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) June 17, 2018

Here are the protesters outside:

Immigrants, Advocates & Congress Members protest DHS “zero tolerance” policy outside Detention Ctr.@ny1 https://t.co/OxPi31d89D

— Amy Yensi (@amyyensi) June 17, 2018

The congressmen have permission from detainees' attorneys, but ICE won't let them enter:

Rep. Nadler is now speaking on the phone with an ICE Supervisor, Mr. Brennan, while Rep. Pascrell argues with staff through the glass. The Members of Congress have now been demanding access to the facility for the better part of an hour. pic.twitter.com/X5vwGKTDKL

— Stephen C. Tighe (@StephenCTighe) June 17, 2018

The Reps. are now refusing to move from the doorway until they speak with those separated from their families. 93 minutes later and still no sign of @ICEgov. Rep. Nadler demands to speak to the facility supervisor for the sixth time. pic.twitter.com/eJDqxr09be

— Stephen C. Tighe (@StephenCTighe) June 17, 2018

Here w/ six other members of Congress including ⁦@RepJerryNadler⁩ ⁦⁦@RepEspaillat⁩ at ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, NJ making surprise Father’s Day visit. They are refusing to let us in. We will #Resist #KeepingFamiliesTogether pic.twitter.com/gZ3zzKCDos

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) June 17, 2018

We will be addressing the media outside the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility shortly, but so far have not been allowed to meet with the detainees. ICE officers continue to delay our entry. pic.twitter.com/j4FbCWk7SM

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 17, 2018

We have gotten the door open at the Elizabeth, NJ ICE detention center and refusing to let it close until we are given access to the detainees. #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/pAZsEpS5g8

— (((Rep. Nadler))) (@RepJerryNadler) June 17, 2018

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