Colorado Rep Jason Crow claims he was denied entry to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility during an unannounced visit on Sunday, something his office described as a violation of federal law.
Crow, a Democrat who represents Aurora, in fact helped to craft a 2019 law that allows members of Congress to make unannounced visits to federal immigration detention centers. Despite this, ICE has implemented an internal policy requiring 72 hours' notice before visits—something not mandated under federal law.
"Denied access in violation of federal law," Crow said in a video posted to social media outside the facility, adding that "providing oversight is critical to my job in Congress" and that "the law is clear that Members of Congress have the legal right to conduct unannounced oversight of federal detention facilities."
ICE just prevented me from entering an immigration detention facility in my district—a clear violation of federal law.
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) July 20, 2025
Members of Congress have the right to immediately access these facilities. Listen here 👇 pic.twitter.com/gMTgllY2Ki
ICE officials did not respond to requests for comment. However, former ICE official John Fabbricatore, a Republican who challenged Crow in a recent election, criticized the visit as "100% performative," noting that it occurred on a Sunday with a weekend staffing crew.
You went there on a Sunday, knowing no one from ICE was there and that GEO was working with a weekend crew.
— John Fabbricatore (@JohnE_Fabb) July 20, 2025
This is 100% performative and is just like you, nothing more than a puppet show. You run your mouth but do nothing when Democrats are using the same detention facility…
Crow's office said this is not the first time he has been blocked from entering the facility. In 2019, amid a disease outbreak at the site, Crow was also prevented from accessing, as The Miami Herald recalls.
That experience led to his legislative effort to mandate congressional access. His office has since issued regular updates on the facility's population and conditions, though it claims written briefings were halted under the Trump administration.
The Aurora detention center has been the subject of repeated reports of neglect and abuse. In 2019, an ACLU of Colorado investigation documented deaths and widespread medical failures, including the case of Kamyar Samimi, a lawful permanent resident who died after being cut off from prescribed methadone. The report concluded that detainees were often denied basic medical care, adequate nutrition, and humane treatment.
More recently, a 2023 study by the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and the Colorado Fiscal Institute highlighted continued concerns at the Aurora facility, with detainees describing "dehumanizing" conditions, including forced labor for pennies per hour and food neglect. Families of detainees reported financial devastation and long-term trauma for children.
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