Thompson, Raskin, Correa, Jayapal Warn Kristi Noem She Is Breaking Federal Law as She Blocks Oversight of ICE Facilities
“We will continue to show up on behalf of the American people and our Constitution, and we will not be turned away. The American people are watching. Follow the law.”
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security & Enforcement, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, & Enforcement, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) illegally obstructing congressional oversight by denying Members of Congress access to multiple facilities used to detain immigrants in recent weeks.
Just last week, ICE issued new guidance that unlawfully restricts Members of Congress access to ICE facilities. “Denying Members of Congress access to these facilities is a blatant violation of federal law, as well as the constitutional right—and duty—of Congress to conduct oversight of the Executive branch,” the Ranking Members wrote.
In the letter, the Ranking Members also reject DHS’s claim that ICE field offices are not subject to congressional oversight. Federal law is clear that any facility used by ICE to detain people—for any period of time – is subject to oversight visits.
“The Constitution and laws of the United States are not unruly dogs that you can take out back, kick, and shoot when they no longer serve your purpose,” the Ranking Members added. “ICE has no valid reason to deny Members of Congress access to its facilities, including the ICE field offices that hold people for multiple days. If your Department is doing no wrong, then you should welcome the representatives of the American people into ICE facilities. Instead, you have illegally shut us out while ICE falsely claims that every ICE office in the country is too busy to accommodate our statutorily authorized congressional visits.”
Click here to read the full letter.
# # #
Previous Article