House Dems sue ICE for blocking access to detention centers
The big picture: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities have become a flashpoint between the Trump administration and Democrats who want to inspect the treatment and condition of detainees.
The administration issued new guidance last month limiting congressional access to ICE facilities after several lawmakers were barred from entry while attempting to conduct routine oversight visits.
Driving the news: The suit, which names the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem as well as ICE and acting Director Todd Lyons, says the lawmakers were all turned away when trying to visit various ICE facilities over the past two months.
The Congressional members called the new oversight visit policy "unlawful," and said the "illegal actions have harmed" their right to conduct oversight.
"These harms are significant, irreparable, and ongoing as long as Defendants continue to block such visits pursuant to their unlawful policy," the suit states.
What they're saying: "Oversight is a fundamental responsibility of Congress, Rep. Jason Crow (D-Co.) said in a statement. "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."
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