Congresswoman Torres Demands Accountability from ICE Following Unlawful Denial of Access and Use of Chemical Agents During Congressional Visit
Calling for Immediate Investigation into ICE’s Actions at Roybal Federal Building and Urges Reform of Detainee Information Systems
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres sent a formal letter to Director Todd Lyons of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raising serious concerns about the conduct of ICE personnel during a peaceful Congressional delegation oversight visit to the Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The delegation, which included Members of Congress, legal counsel, staff, media, and immigrant rights advocates, was denied access to the facility despite legal protections guaranteeing such oversight.
In her letter, Rep. Norma Torres highlights ICE’s false claim that over 1,000 protesters were present during the visit, a characterization she says was deliberately used to justify the unwarranted deployment of chemical agents against the peaceful delegation. The release of these agents caused harm to Congresswoman Torres, who required emergency medical attention and ongoing medication.
Congresswoman Torres also condemns ICE’s unlawful obstruction of Congressional access, citing federal law (Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024) that prohibits denial of entry to federal detention facilities by Members of Congress. She calls the refusal a serious breach of transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the Congresswoman points to ICE’s failure to maintain accurate and timely updates to its Online Detainee Locator database, which has led to widespread confusion and emotional distress among families searching for detained loved ones.
“Every day we are denied access to critical information, and DHS violates the law, is a danger to our democracy. Today at 3:08 pm, DHS responded to my request to conduct oversight at the Roybal facility by denying oversight access for the second time. As a Member of Congress and part of the Appropriations Committee overseeing federal funding, I demand a full investigation into the use of chemical agents against myself and others present on June 7, 2025, a formal explanation for the unlawful denial of access, and a comprehensive review of ICE’s communication and detainee information systems,” said Congresswoman Torres. “These actions have not only endangered lives but have broken the public’s trust and violated the law.”
Congresswoman Torres is urging ICE to promptly address these serious issues and provide a detailed response.
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