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Rep. Jayapal Slams Trump's Blockade of Detention Center Visit

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for blocking her oversight visit to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Eight days' notice was given, but detainees could not be met privately.
She met one detainee, a caregiver for his sick daughter.
Jayapal cited complaints of inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and food quality.
She accused DHS of obstructing congressional oversight and hiding its treatment of 70,000 detainees nightly.

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Story summary

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for blocking her oversight visit to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Eight days' notice was given, but detainees could not be met privately.
She met one detainee, a caregiver for his sick daughter.
Jayapal cited complaints of inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and food quality.
She accused DHS of obstructing congressional oversight and hiding its treatment of 70,000 detainees nightly.