Democratic Lawmakers Inspect LA ICE Facility After Court Ruling

Representatives Norma Torres and Jimmy Gomez gain access to the downtown detention center following a federal court order.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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U.S. Representatives Norma Torres and Jimmy Gomez conducted a congressional oversight inspection of the ICE facility in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, three days after a federal court judge granted them and others a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from enforcing a policy requiring a week's notice before visiting immigration detention facilities. The lawmakers reported seeing holding cells, a separate caged area, and an undisclosed 'B-17' holding room, though they found the facility less frigid than previously reported.

Why it matters

This visit highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration over access to immigration detention facilities, as well as concerns about conditions and transparency at these facilities. The court ruling allowing unannounced inspections is a victory for congressional oversight efforts.

The details

Torres and Gomez were able to access the downtown LA ICE facility for the first time since June 2026, when they had previously been denied entry. They reported seeing holding cells that can house up to 244 people, as well as a separate caged area and an undisclosed 'B-17' holding room, though the facility was less frigid than previously reported, likely due to a recent power outage. The lawmakers were concerned about the length of time people are being held and the lack of medical checks.

  • On February 2, 2026, a federal court judge granted Torres, Gomez, and others a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from enforcing a policy requiring a week's notice before visiting immigration detention facilities.
  • On February 5, 2026, Torres and Gomez conducted their congressional oversight inspection of the downtown LA ICE facility.

The players

Norma Torres

U.S. Representative for California's 35th congressional district.

Jimmy Gomez

U.S. Representative for California's 34th congressional district, which covers downtown Los Angeles.

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“There was one woman in one tank, two gentlemen in another tank. Everything else was empty.”

— Jimmy Gomez, U.S. Representative (Los Angeles Times)

“It was like a waiting room at a DMV, it was small and it had windows where you can check in. But nobody was there.”

— Jimmy Gomez, U.S. Representative (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The federal court's temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's policy requiring advance notice for congressional visits to immigration detention facilities is set to expire in 14 days. The lawmakers and others who filed the lawsuit will likely seek to extend the order or pursue further legal action to ensure ongoing access for oversight purposes.

The takeaway

This visit underscores the ongoing battle between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration over transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement operations. The court ruling granting unannounced access represents a victory for congressional oversight, but concerns remain about conditions and treatment of detainees at these facilities.