ICE declines Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon access to the largest detention center in the region
In a recent development, U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Delaware County, was denied entry to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. This centre, the largest in the region, can hold more than 1,800 people and is reportedly spending an estimated $3.4 million a month in taxpayer dollars.
Scanlon was there to conduct a congressional oversight visit, a legally allowed action that allows members of Congress to ensure the proper functioning of ICE facilities. However, she was met with a denial, allegedly due to orders from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
This incident comes amidst concerns about the treatment of individuals inside ICE facilities. In early August, a Chinese citizen died while in custody inside an ICE facility, sparking further scrutiny.
Scanlon has been vocal about the administration's history of detaining and deporting people without a criminal record. She plans to join Democratic lawmakers suing the Trump administration over similar entrance denials.
The Moshannon Valley Processing Center is one of many facilities that have been under scrutiny. Recent reports suggest that private prison contractors are benefitting from the funds allocated to ICE, with ICE receiving $45 billion from Trump's latest spending bill.
Scanlon has received complaints about the facility from her constituents and has stated that the purpose of the oversight is to address concerns that arise when the government incarcerates people and hides what's going on behind the facility's walls.
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny County, also faced a similar denial of access to the compound on Monday. The situation raises questions about transparency and accountability within ICE facilities during a time of increased scrutiny.
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