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Rep. Tonko Denied Access to Immigration Detention Facility

8/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko was denied entry to an immigration detention facility in Batavia, New York, despite federal law allowing unannounced visits.
He sought to assess the conditions of constituents detained there, citing a DHS report on understaffing and excessive force.
This incident occurs amid a lawsuit by several congressmembers against DHS for restricting inspections due to concerns about detention conditions.

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Story summary

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko was denied entry to an immigration detention facility in Batavia, New York, despite federal law allowing unannounced visits.
He sought to assess the conditions of constituents detained there, citing a DHS report on understaffing and excessive force.
This incident occurs amid a lawsuit by several congressmembers against DHS for restricting inspections due to concerns about detention conditions.