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The Department of Homeland Security is criticizing Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and other Democrats for trying to grab attention by attempting to enter and staging a sit-in at an ICE facility in Baltimore on Monday.
Van Hollen has been in the news lately for his vocal support of suspected MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran illegal immigrant facing human trafficking charges.
Van Hollen and a group of House and Senate Democrats from Maryland, including Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and several members of Maryland’s House delegation, were turned away from an ICE detainment facility in Baltimore’s Fallon Federal Building. The lawmakers demanded entry but were denied access.
In a video from the Baltimore Sun, Mfume can be heard telling a federal employee, “We expect, quite frankly, that we will be allowed entrance.”
After being denied entry, the group held a press conference outside the building where Mfume expressed their frustration at being kept outside and ultimately having to sit in front of the door.
Following the incident, Olszewski posted on social media, “My Maryland colleagues and I were DENIED ENTRY to the Baltimore ICE detention center—despite following all legal requirements.” He raised concerns about the refusal to allow congressional oversight amid reports of inhumane conditions.
In response, DHS issued a statement suggesting that if lawmakers wanted a photo op with criminals, they should schedule a tour. The agency emphasized the need for sufficient time to arrange facility visits to avoid interference with the President’s authority.
The agency also questioned the motives of sanctuary politicians seeking publicity and highlighted the importance of approval from the DHS Secretary for visits due to increased disruptions and obstructions to enforcement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared images of illegal immigrant criminals in Maryland charged with serious offenses, accusing Van Hollen of prioritizing criminals over American victims.
In a social media statement, Van Hollen criticized Noem’s claims, highlighting ICE data showing a majority of detainees have no criminal records or pose no threat. He emphasized the delegation’s legal right to conduct oversight and called the situation “BS, plain and simple.”
According to a recent DHS statement, the majority of ICE arrests have been of illegal aliens with criminal convictions or charges. The agency faces criticism for its enforcement actions and a significant increase in assaults on officers.
Olszewski’s office reiterated the delegation’s intent for oversight and highlighted Congress’s authority to access ICE facilities. Ivey’s office shared correspondence regarding a wrongful ICE arrest and questioned the agency’s actions.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments from other lawmakers mentioned in the article but did not receive responses at the time of publication. The author of this article is Peter Pinedo, a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
