Rep. Raul Ruiz Denied Access to Adelanto ICE Facility for Second Time, Calls for DHS Accountability

Congressman Raul Ruiz says he was denied access for a second time to an ICE detention facility in Adelanto during a visit today, raising renewed concerns about transparency and federal oversight.

The visit comes as immigration enforcement operations face growing scrutiny across the country. Ruiz says he provided eight days’ notice ahead of his planned inspection, but Homeland Security did not grant consent for his entry, according to the congressman.

Ruiz was previously denied access to the same facility last year under a revised Department of Homeland Security policy that requires extended notice for congressional visits.

Following the denied entry, Ruiz joined fellow representatives and immigrant justice advocates at a press conference in San Bernardino, calling for accountability and criticizing current enforcement practices. Video from the event shows lawmakers and advocates demanding greater transparency from DHS.

During the conference, Ruiz also called for recognition of Luis Yanez Beltran Cruz, who died earlier this month at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio while in ICE custody.

Ruiz raised serious concerns about conditions inside detention facilities, questioning what occurs behind closed doors if alleged mistreatment is happening in public view.

“If they are brutalizing and killing individuals in open daylight, in front of people who are observing and recording, what are they doing behind closed doors in these detention centers?” Ruiz said.

The congressman also called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of misleading the public, obstructing congressional oversight, misusing taxpayer funds, and violating constitutional rights.

On social media, Ruiz stated that members of Congress have constitutional authority to inspect federal facilities and conduct oversight. He says he is now working to introduce a new act to improve conditions and accountability within detention centers.

Ruiz and his colleagues say they will continue pressing DHS for access and reforms, emphasizing that transparency is critical to protecting the rights and safety of individuals in federal custody.