DHS places new limits on lawmakers visiting ICE facilities
Share this @internewscast.com


The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is placing new limitations on lawmakers seeking to visit detention facilities, releasing guidelines in the wake of visits from Democrats that have turned confrontational.

Members of Congress have the legal right to make unannounced visits to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.

But new guidance posted by ICE seeks to rein in that power, asking lawmakers to give 72 hours notice before any visits, while requiring their staff to give 24 hours notice. 

Though lawmakers retain the ability to make unannounced visits to ICE detention facilities, the new policy blocks them from visiting field offices, where most agency action takes place.

“[DHS Secretary] Kristi Noem’s new policy to block congressional oversight of ICE facilities is not only unprecedented, it is an affront to the Constitution and Federal law. Noem is now not only attempting to restrict when Members can visit, but completely blocking access to ICE Field Offices – even if Members schedule visits in advance. No matter how much she and [President] Trump want to force us to live under their authoritarian rule, ICE is not above oversight and the Department must follow the law,” Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said in a statement.

“This unlawful policy is a smokescreen to deny Member visits to ICE offices across the country, which are holding migrants – and sometimes even U.S. citizens – for days at a time. They are therefore detention facilities and are subject to oversight and inspection at any time. DHS pretending otherwise is simply their latest lie.”

Recent Democratic visits have resulted in clashes with DHS personnel.

A scuffle erupted when a trio of New Jersey Democrats attempted to visit their state’s Delaney Hall detention center alongside Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D), with DHS agents later arresting him for trespassing.

The charges against Baraka were swiftly dropped, but prosecutors later brought charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), accusing her of assaulting law enforcement with her forearms during the scum. If convicted, she faces 17 years in prison.

Though not at an ICE facility, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was handcuffed after he interrupted a press conference held by Noem in Los Angeles regarding anti-ICE protests in the city.

The DHS did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The new guidance contains other details that would limit congressional visits at ICE facilities.

It says “group size or visit itinerary may be modified to reduce operational impacts” while smaller facilities may also limit the tour group size.

It also seeks to place restrictions on lawmaker interaction with detainees, saying they must list whom they wish to speak with or give 48 hours notice so that ICE personnel can post a sign-up sheet for those wishing to speak with lawmakers.

“ICE will not facilitate meetings with detainees in detention facilities without valid, signed privacy releases. If Members and/or Congressional staff would like to meet with a specific detainee or set of detainees, please provide names, alien registration numbers, and valid, signed privacy releases with your request,” it states.

It also bars any photography and videography within ICE facilities.

Though the guidance suggests privacy is a top concern, the Trump administration has routinely showed photos of migrants it has arrested as well as those boarding deportation flights, though some images have been shot from behind.

Noem also came under fire for filming a video in a prison in El Salvador where the Trump administration sent some migrants, showcasing the backdrop as a warning to immigrants.

Thompson contended the new measures were designed to conceal the impacts of Trump’s policies as well as the conditions in detention.

“There is no valid or legal reason for denying Member access to ICE facilities and DHS’s ever-changing justifications prove this,” he said.

“To be clear, there is no agency or department that is ‘too busy’ for oversight. If ICE has nothing to hide, DHS must make its facilities available.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Details Uncovered About the Suspected Sniper Involved in Idaho’s Firefighter Ambush

() The gunman accused of fatally shooting two firefighters and wounding a…

Mayor Criticizes Recent ICE Raids as ‘Utterly Disgraceful and Unpatriotic’

() Bell Gardens Mayor Jorgel Chavez has called recent ICE raids happening…

Report: Pilot’s Death in 2024 Caused by Unintended Ejection Seat Activation

SHEPPARD AFB (KFDX/KJTL) One year after the death of an instructor pilot…

Trump Announces ‘Temporary Pass’ for Migrant Farm and Hotel Workers

(The Hill) — President Donald Trump announced that a temporary permit will…

Denmark Considers Including Women in Draft Amid Rising Russian Threat and Military Expansion

HOVELTE – With her face marked with camouflage paint, 20-year-old Katrine watches…

“Our World Stands Still: Family Reflects on 2-Year Anniversary of Daughter’s Disappearance”

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Becky Mitchell is living the nightmare of her…

Survey indicates Florida gas prices likely to decrease before holiday weekend

ORLANDO, Fla. – With the approach of Independence Day, gas prices are…

Federal Judge Questions If Birthright Citizenship Ruling Could Lead to Deportation of Newborns

WASHINGTON – On Monday, a federal judge inquired about when the Trump…

GOP Resistance Challenges Trump’s Massive Bill During Intense Voting Session

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is tasked with securing the backing…

Hong Kong’s Security Measures Affect Small Businesses Beyond Arrests

HONG KONG – Pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong has largely been subdued…

Bears Enter Northern California Home Following Infamous ‘Den of Thieves’ Burglary: District Attorney

(KRON) — A “den of thieves” involving 17 suspects repeatedly targeted the…

Israeli Settlers Cause Havoc at West Bank Military Base

TEL AVIV – Several Israeli settlers launched an aggressive attack on a…