Ahead of the attempted site visit, the Democratic lawmakers said, "As lawmakers, we have both the legal right and moral responsibility to inspect this site."

A group of Florida Democratic state lawmakers was blocked from entering the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility in the Everglades Thursday, despite citing legal authority for an official legislative site visit.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried issued a statement following the incident, saying, “Lawmakers on the ground were just blocked from entering a state-funded detention site because of so-called ‘safety concerns.’ This is a taxpayer-funded facility, run by the State of Florida. Our elected officials have every legal right to walk through those gates.”

Fried added, “What are Ron DeSantis and his administration trying to hide? If it’s unsafe for lawmakers to visit, how is it safe for anyone inside?”

  • rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works
    48·
    24 days ago

    I’ve only read it a few times but can you show me where the US Constitution allows The Legislature to employ private security to forcefully enter a facility controlled by The Executive?

    You’re talking about open revolt and that makes me think you’re a plant. Maybe you’re just a silly commie or maybe you’re actually a state actor. I’m leaning towards silly commie.

    edit: well, I guess Article 1 allows Congress to create agencies and define their scope but traditionally law enforcement has been left to The Executive. So Congress would have to found, fund, and direct a separate agency from scratch. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

    • dastanktal@lemmy.ml
      41·
      24 days ago

      Can you show me in the Constitution where that is explicitly outlawed? Because I’ve read the entire Constitution and it says nothing about legislation hiring private security.

      I didn’t say the Democrats should force their way in, I just said that they should bring armed private security and then make a scene.

      I said nothing of open Revolt. You are adding implications to thing my comment.

      Regardless it would be nice if the Democrats put a little more energy into things and stop with this performative bullshit like going to an ice facility they know they won’t be allowed in. Is it bullshit yeah but they should probably make a bigger fuss about it at the place like when Senator Padilla got arrested. Makes better headlines.

      As far as being a state actor I would be a piss poor State actor.

      • rc__buggy@sh.itjust.works
        13·
        24 days ago

        So, bring guns but don’t use them?

        Anything not in the US Constitution is not permitted. Can a Senator hire a bodyguard? Of course. Would it be illegal to order that bodyguard to attack an ICE agent? You bet.

        Congress isn’t supposed to police the Executive, that’s the Court’s job. Well… So now the Legislature has to go do “performative bullshit” to bring these things to light.

        Ice has shown extreme cowardice when power is equal between parties and showing up with an armed force could be effective.

        Better than this performative bullshit.

        That’s you, just a couple hours ago. Sure looks like you want a firefight.