Immigrants and advocates say the facilities are often overcrowded, lack reliable and safe food and limit detainees’ ability to contact legal representation.

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow was denied entry to a federal immigration detention facility in Aurora over the weekend in apparent violation of federal law, the congressman’s office said.

Colorado Rep. Jason Crow says he was denied from entering an ICE detention facility in Aurora, despite a law allowing congress members the ability to visit for oversight purposes. The Department of Homeland Security says the congressman needed to give a week's notice before visiting.