Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA) helped secure access for local clergy to enter the federal ICE detention facility at the Roybal Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles on Good Friday, allowing detained individuals to observe one of the holiest days in the Christian faith.

After clergy were denied entry on Ash Wednesday, Rep. Gomez’s office engaged ICE officials, elevated formal requests, and continued pushing for access in the days leading up to Good Friday. As a result, four clergy members were permitted to enter the facility, where they led a prayer service, administered communion, and provided pastoral care to detained individuals.

The visit comes as Rep. Gomez has been actively conducting oversight of the facility, including areas known as B-17 and B-18, where detainees are often held after being taken into custody before transfer or removal proceedings. Rep. Gomez has raised concerns about access, transparency, and conditions inside the facility.

“I’ve spent months conducting oversight at this detention facility and pushing back on ICE’s efforts to hide what’s happening inside. When local clergy were denied entry on Ash Wednesday, my office kept pushing until ICE finally allowed them in on Good Friday," said Rep. Gomez. "Those inside were able to pray, receive communion, and observe one of the holiest days in the Christian faith. I’m going to keep pushing for access and transparency inside these detention facilities, and make sure the people inside are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."

During the Good Friday visit, clergy prayed with detained individuals, blessed them with holy water, anointed them with holy oil, and offered communion. For many, it was a rare opportunity to participate in a religious observance while in custody.

Rep. Gomez will continue conducting oversight and advocating for transparency and humane treatment inside detention facilities.