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3h ago

Noem Reinstates 7-Day ICE Visit Rule That Blocked Minnesota Lawmakers

Democrats say the funding workaround defies a December court order guaranteeing unannounced inspections.

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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference to discuss ICE operations in New York City on January 8, 2026.
(L-R) Representative Kelly Morrison, a Democrat from Minnesota, Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, and Representative Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, speak with reporters after visiting with immigrations officials at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building after in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 10, 2026.

Overview

  • A Jan. 8 DHS memo signed by Secretary Kristi Noem requires members of Congress to request ICE facility visits at least seven days in advance, with any exceptions needing her approval.
  • The directive orders ICE to implement the policy using only funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a maneuver Noem argues places the visits outside appropriations-based access rules.
  • Reps. Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison were initially admitted then told to leave the Whipple Federal Building ICE site in Minneapolis, with DHS citing safety and noncompliance with the new notice requirement.
  • A federal judge in December blocked an essentially identical policy under appropriations law; Rep. Joe Neguse said Democrats will challenge Noem’s new memo in court immediately.
  • The policy change arrived a day after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, as protests grew and federal authorities expanded their presence in the city.