House Democrats asked a federal judge to block new DHS limits on unannounced congressional visits to ICE detention centers, arguing the rules violate federal law and a recent court order. The emergency filing names Rep. Joe Neguse as a plaintiff and contends DHS cannot implement the restrictions without using appropriated funds covered by oversight statutes. The dispute comes as Congress negotiates DHS's budget and follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, fueling calls for greater transparency and accountability.
House Democrats Sue DHS to Block New Limits on Unannounced ICE Facility Visits
On Monday, a group of House Democrats asked a federal judge to block newly announced Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restrictions that limit unannounced congressional oversight visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers.
What Democrats Say
The emergency court filing, which names Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) as a plaintiff, argues the new policy violates federal law requiring members of Congress to conduct unannounced inspections of detention facilities and flouts a recent order by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb that had paused previous restrictions. The complaint asserts it is 'practically impossible' for DHS to implement the tightened rules without using annually appropriated funds covered by the oversight statute.
DHS Defense And The Dispute Over Funding
DHS and Secretary Kristi Noem have defended the restrictions in court, arguing some facility operating funds come from a different funding pool that they say is not subject to the oversight statute. So far, that funding-based defense has not prevailed in court, and Democrats say the department's renewed limits are an unlawful attempt to block real-time scrutiny.
Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., appears at a news conference after House Democrats' leadership elections on Nov. 19, 2024, on Capitol Hill.(Andrew Harnik / Getty Images / Getty Images)
Why It Matters Now
The filing stresses urgency because Congress is negotiating DHS's budget for the coming fiscal year and says real-time inspections are essential to inform funding decisions. Tensions intensified after an ICE agent fatally shot a Minneapolis woman, Renee Good, last week, an incident that renewed calls for transparency and accountability at detention facilities.
Rep. Joe Neguse (X): 'The law is crystal-clear: the administration can’t block Members of Congress from conducting real-time oversight of immigration detention facilities. Which is why, as DHS attempts to reimpose its unlawful policy, we’re going back to court to challenge it — immediately.'
Broader Context
Some House Democrats are pushing to cut ICE funding amid disturbing reports and footage alleging aggressive or abusive tactics by federal agents. A recent YouGov poll found a majority of respondents disapprove of ICE and consider its tactics too forceful. Separately, House Democrats are pursuing impeachment proceedings against Secretary Noem over multiple controversies during her tenure, and critics view the visitation limits as part of a broader effort to reduce oversight of immigration enforcement.
The case will test the scope of congressional oversight powers, DHS's funding arguments, and how courts balance transparency with the department's operational claims. The outcome could have immediate implications for DHS funding negotiations and for public accountability of ICE facilities.
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