The Associated Press
TACOMA — A U.S. congressman said he was turned away from trying to meet with detainees from the southern border crisis because of a chicken pox outbreak at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
The Tacoma News Tribune reported that U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat, went to the prison Saturday after hearing that a number of migrants who were separated from their children after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border were transferred there from another federal prison in SeaTac.
Kilmer said he had an official tour set up at the Tacoma facility, but it was canceled due to protest-related safety concerns.
And when the congressman tried to visit three detainees during the regularly scheduled visiting hours Saturday, he was told that they were all quarantined due to chicken pox exposure.
Kilmer spokesman Tim Biba told the Peninsula Daily News on Monday that Kilmer has been confirmed to tour the Tacoma facility Friday.
Kilmer represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
I was scheduled to inspect the NW Detention Center and meet w/ parents separated from their children today. ICE cancelled the tour, but I'm going to try to meet parents during visiting hours. #familiesbelongtogether pic.twitter.com/qiSoblrEsi
— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) June 23, 2018
Update #2: The Presidents exec order did not reunite separated families. It’s difficult just to visit them. The challenge of reuniting families will be immense. Especially for young children who can’t communicate. #familiesbelongtogether pic.twitter.com/ekzclIfu61
— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) June 23, 2018
Update #3: I was unable to meet with any parents today but will keep trying. ICE has offered a tour later this week and I will return. In the meantime, I’ll keep fighting for our American values. #familiesbelongtogether pic.twitter.com/vK0pX5Ioyg
— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) June 23, 2018
