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DHS Tightens Rules on Congressional Visits to ICE Offices

The policy grants ICE unchecked discretion to deny or cancel visits by requiring lawmakers to provide three days’ notice.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) arrives to observe court proceedings at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 18. Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
Illinois U.S. Reps. Danny Davis, from left, Jesus “Chuy" Garcia, Delia Ramirez and Jonathan Jackson show their identification to a security camera as they attempt to enter into the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview on Wednesday. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • New DHS guidance requires members of Congress to give 72 hours’ notice for field office tours and 24 hours’ notice for detention center visits.
  • The policy designates ICE field offices as non-detention facilities, removing them from unannounced inspection rights under federal law.
  • ICE retains sole authority to refuse, reschedule or terminate any congressional visit over operational or security concerns.
  • Democratic lawmakers led by Rep. Bennie Thompson argue the rules obstruct transparency and may conceal poor conditions at ICE facilities.
  • Recent confrontations at ICE offices have resulted in the arrest of Rep. LaMonica McIver and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, fueling demands for policy reversal.