By Steve Neavling
Twelve Democratic lawmakers filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing the Trump administration of unlawfully blocking their access to immigration detention centers, calling the restrictions a violation of congressional oversight authority.
The suit, filed against the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and top officials including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, alleges that the lawmakers were repeatedly turned away from facilities in recent months despite attempting routine oversight visits, Axios reports.
“These harms are significant, irreparable, and ongoing as long as Defendants continue to block such visits pursuant to their unlawful policy,” the lawsuit states.
The Biden-era policy allowing members of Congress to tour immigration facilities without prior approval was reversed last month by the Trump administration. Under the new rules, lawmakers must now get authorization from DHS to enter processing centers.
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said in a statement that the administration is attempting to intimidate lawmakers and undermine transparency.
“Oversight is a fundamental responsibility of Congress,” he said. “Since President Trump was elected, this administration has denied Members of Congress access to immigration detention facilities and tried to intimidate us from doing our jobs.”
In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the policy, saying ICE officers have faced a sharp rise in disruptions, including from members of Congress. She said officer assaults are up 830%, and access requests must be part of “legitimate congressional oversight.”
