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A federal court temporarily blocked a policy that limited Members of Congress from conducting unannounced visits to federal immigration detention facilities, restoring lawmakers’ ability to oversee the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while litigation continues.
The case, Neguse et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement et al., was brought by a dozen House members challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s implementation of a seven-day waiting period and restrictions on access to certain ICE field offices. Plaintiffs argued the measures violated a federal law guaranteeing congressional oversight of detention facilities where noncitizens are held.
The lawsuit names Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse; Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat; Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson; Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin; House Oversight and Reform Committee Ranking Member Robert Garcia; House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Ranking Member J. Luis Correa; and Reps. Jason Crow, Veronica Escobar, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Raul Ruiz, and Norma Torres.
Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Coachella) said the ruling affirmed lawmakers’ constitutional responsibilities.
“When DHS denied me entrance to Adelanto back in July, they denied my constitutional right and responsibility to conduct oversight,” Ruiz said. “A federal court just sided with my colleagues and me to stop the Trump-Vance administration’s attempt to block unannounced congressional inspections of immigration detention facilities. Proud to stand up for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
In a joint statement, the lawmakers described the ruling as “a critical victory toward restoring our ability to conduct essential congressional oversight on behalf of the American people,” emphasizing that real-time, on-the-ground visits help prevent abuses and ensure transparency. “Oversight is a core responsibility of Members of Congress—and a constitutional duty we do not take lightly,” the statement said.
The plaintiffs are represented by Democracy Forward Foundation and American Oversight. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said the ruling “makes clear that no president can hide the truth about how people are treated in federal immigration custody” and emphasized the decision defends accountability, transparency, and human dignity.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law and an affirmation that no administration is above it,” said Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight. “Members of Congress have a right to conduct real-time oversight of immigration detention facilities, and the public has a right to know what is happening. This order restores a critical check on executive power and prevents abuses from being hidden.”
Federal law under Section 527 of the FY2024 DHS Appropriations Act permits Members of Congress to visit ICE detention sites without prior notice, a safeguard intended to protect human rights and ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately. The administration’s policy, implemented in 2025, required lawmakers to give seven days’ notice and blocked access to certain field offices, prompting the lawsuit filed on July 30.
The court’s decision temporarily lifts those restrictions, reaffirming Congress’s right to conduct unannounced inspections of immigration detention centers. It is seen as a measure to maintain transparency, prevent potential abuses, and ensure accountability in the management of facilities housing both noncitizens and U.S. citizens. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons are named in the lawsuit, which continues to proceed in federal court.
