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.
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Adelita Grijalva has been regularly meeting with tribal leaders from southern Arizona — the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation and Gila River Indian Community — and they’re all sharing the same thing, telling KJZZ: “DHS must consult with tribes. They’re not doing it now. This administration doesn’t honor sovereignty.’” -
A Day 1 executive order enacted by President Donald Trump froze all refugee admissions and the funding attached to them. -
The report, from Yale Law School’s Justice Collaboratory and the Center for Policing Equity, looks at how cities, states and counties can respond to federal actions they don’t approve of. -
Emmanuel Damas, 56, died Monday at Honor Health hospital in Scottsdale after complaining of a toothache in mid-February in ICE custody. -
Emmanuel Damas, 56, was in the process of seeking asylum after entering the U.S. in 2024 on a humanitarian parole program established under the Biden administration.
