The Department of Homeland Security says it wants to limit access to ICE detention facilities by lawmakers in Congress, after a handful of facility visits made by Democratic lawmakers in Arizona and other states.
U.S. law gives congressional lawmakers the authority to show up and tour ICE detention, even if they arrive with no notice. The process is one of the accountability mechanisms lawmakers have to ensure a facility's conditions are up to legal standards.
But under the new rules — released by ICE this month — lawmakers must provide 72 hours notice if they plan to visit an ICE field office. Congressional staffers are required to give at least 24 hours notice.
It also says lawmakers are not allowed to touch or speak to people inside the facility unless they’ve been given permission in advance.
The directive comes just after Rep. Yassamin Ansari’s unannounced visit to the Eloy Detention Center south of Phoenix — where she met with female detainees who alleged mistreatment by facility staff.
-
No More Deaths’ aid camp is stationed in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, a few miles from the border in southern Arizona. The group said that site was raided by Border Patrol agents the Sunday before Thanksgiving. -
This year’s Dream Act introduction comes as those protections are waning — as the AP reports, at least 20 DACA recipients have been detained by immigration authorities this year — despite their status. -
As the Trump administration’s aggressive deportations continue, one group is being targeted that has some law enforcement and prosecutors concerned: U visa applicants. -
The State Department accuses the company, which they did not name, of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration. -
Grijalva said humanitarian volunteers with the nonprofit group No More Deaths reported that warrantless Border Patrol agents forced their way into their desert aid station and arrested three migrants who were resting inside a trailer.
