DHS Tightens Congressional Access Rules at ICE Facilities Nationwide

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented new, stricter guidelines governing congressional visits to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, requiring members of Congress and their staff to provide advance notice—24 hours for staff and 72 hours for lawmakers—and allowing ICE to deny or terminate visits at its discretion. These changes notably exclude ICE field offices from the oversight protections afforded to detention centers, effectively barring unapproved visits to these locations. The policy shift follows multiple confrontational incidents involving Democratic lawmakers and federal agents at detention centers, including protests and alleged interference, prompting DHS to cite safety and operational concerns for the new restrictions. Democratic leaders, including Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, have condemned the policy as an unconstitutional attempt to obstruct congressional oversight and transparency, emphasizing that ICE facilities—including field offices holding migrants—should be fully accessible for inspection. The tensions underscore ongoing conflicts between the DHS, under the current administration, and Democratic lawmakers over immigration enforcement and oversight rights. High-profile episodes, such as the detainment of officials attempting visits, have intensified criticism of the administration’s approach to managing facility inspections.