U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has banned two volunteer attorneys from a South Texas family detention center for violating visitation standards.
The federal agency says the attorneys entered restricted areas without an escort and became belligerent with officials.
But a coalition of immigration attorneys says the bans are unprecedented and is fighting to rescind them as part of its ongoing effort to improve access to the immigrant mothers and their children at the family detention center in Dilley, which is the largest in the country.
The lawyers say immigration authorities have increasingly hindered their ability to represent clients, including limiting access to courtrooms and sudden rule changes.
ICE officials say they consistently respond to the pro bono lawyers' concerns and allow them access not seen at other ICE facilities.
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