Ranking Member Thompson Statement on Kristi Noem’s New Policy to Block Oversight of ICE

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s new policy to block oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities after weeks of denying oversight visits – contrary to Federal law:

“Kristi Noem’s new policy to block congressional oversight of ICE facilities is not only unprecedented, it is an affront to the Constitution and Federal law. Noem is now not only attempting to restrict when Members can visit, but completely blocking access to ICE Field Offices – even if Members schedule visits in advance. No matter how much she and Trump want to force us to live under their authoritarian rule, ICE is not above oversight and the Department must follow the law.

“This unlawful policy is a smokescreen to deny Member visits to ICE offices across the country, which are holding migrants – and sometimes even U.S. citizens – for days at a time. They are therefore detention facilities and are subject to oversight and inspection at any time. DHS pretending otherwise is simply their latest lie.

“There is no valid or legal reason for denying Member access to ICE facilities and DHS’s ever-changing justifications prove this. To be clear, there is no agency or department that is ‘too busy’ for oversight. If ICE has nothing to hide, DHS must make its facilities available.” 

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