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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The Department of Justice filed suit against Arizona's law at the end of August. Legal filings against the remaining laws — in Hawaii, D.C., Arkansas and Utah — were filed this month, bringing the total number of tuition-related suits to 25. -
More than 30,000 refugees, asylees and other legally present immigrants in Arizona could lose health coverage in a few weeks as new Medicaid eligibility rules take effect. -
More than two decades ago, the 9/11 terror attacks touched every aspect of life in America — including for newcomers, who were in the midst of immigration processes, like seeking U.S. citizenship. -
The class consists of about 30 immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. -
The group says that’s in response to comments from Trump administration officials like Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin — who told reporters earlier this month that ICE isn’t planning operations targeting polling locations, but that agents could be sent to address a "specific threats."
