PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- After Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter claims she was denied access to ICE facilities on multiple occasions, the congresswoman wrote directly to Department of Homeland Security officials on Friday, calling for more accountability for the agency's actions as the government shutdown persists.

In the letter, addressed to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Rep. Dexter noted how under the one Big Beautiful Bill, DHS was provided $170 billion in funds, but chose to furlough the staff at the Offices of Detention Oversight and Congressional Affairs during the shutdown.

This means ICE is currently operating without any "meaningful internal or Congressional oversight," Dexter wrote.

"I recognize that certain nonessential functions must pause during a l

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