Congresswoman Luz Rivas and Los Angeles Delegation Colleagues Blocked from Performing Oversight Duties

LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) released the following statement after she, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) were blocked from performing their congressional oversight duty at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles. 

“The reports of what is happening inside the Roybal Federal Building is a complete violation of our laws and a stain on our values as a country,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “The Trump Administration blocked my colleagues and me from conducting our congressional oversight duties into the reported abuses and neglect that is taking place at this facility. Whether Donald Trump and his Administration likes it or not, our job as Members of Congress is to shine a light on their actions toward immigrant families – and we will not be deterred. We will continue to use our power to protect our most vulnerable from the inhumane actions of this Administration.”

Background:

Congresswoman Luz Rivas joined Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) on a congressional oversight visit of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Downtown Los Angeles after reports surfaced of immigrants being held with limited legal access and restricted access to food, water, and medicine. 

The Members’ visit comes the morning after ICE raids took place across the City of Los Angeles that resulted in over 40 people being detained, including SEIU California President David Huerta.

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