Press Releases

LOS ANGELES – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) is demanding immediate accountability from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after he and Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Luz Rivas (CA-29), and Norma Torres (CA-35) were unlawfully denied entry to the ICE detention facility inside the Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on June 7.

“What happened on June 7 was a flagrant, unlawful obstruction of congressional oversight. This is not a gray area. This is black letter law—and your department broke it,” wrote Rep. Gomez in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

Gomez reminded DHS of federal law, which explicitly prohibits the Department from denying Members of Congress access to any DHS detention facility, without requiring prior notice. He also raised urgent concerns about reports that asylum seekers and families are being held in basement holding cells for up to 24 hours without food, water, or sunlight.

“These conditions are not only inhumane—they are morally bankrupt and legally indefensible. …Detaining human beings under these conditions has no place in this country—and I will not stand for it. I expect an immediate response,” said Rep. Gomez.

Rep. Gomez outlined three immediate demands from DHS and ICE:

• Full and unimpeded access to the Roybal facility for Members of Congress, including walkthroughs and interviews with detainees.
• A written explanation of who authorized the illegal denial of entry and why.
• Full compliance with oversight laws at all DHS facilities nationwide.

You can read the full letter HERE.

Rep. Gomez’s district includes downtown LA and the Roybal Federal Building where the detentions occurred. As the son of immigrants, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) has been a strong advocate for immigrant families. Rep. Gomez filed an amicus brief earlier this year urging the court to uphold the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship. He’s a proud supporter of the Dream and Promise Act of 2025, which would provide a clear path to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. He has called on the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately halt efforts to misuse confidential taxpayer data for immigration enforcement. He is also leading the effort to reinstate the Citizenship and Assimilation (C&A) Grant Program, which supports organizations that help legal residents become U.S. citizens.

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