Meeks Critiques New DHS Policy on Immigration Facility Visits
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) expressed strong disapproval of a recent policy requiring lawmakers to receive prior approval before visiting immigration detention facilities.
“This administration has consistently tried to sidestep Congress and obstruct our constitutional duties,” he stated recently.
Meeks emphasized that visits to these facilities should happen without advance notice, arguing that if DHS officials were informed ahead of time, it could skew the reality of what they observe.
His remarks followed new guidance from DHS, which mandates a 72-hour notice period before congressional visits.
According to Meeks, this policy creates barriers for lawmakers in New Jersey, California, Illinois, and New York who are seeking to engage in oversight. He described the new directive as “a serious issue.”
“Without the ability to enter these facilities spontaneously, how can we truly know what’s happening? This has been the case under various administrations, both Democratic and Republican,” Meeks pointed out.
He further noted, “Preventing us from doing our jobs as outlined by the Constitution raises concerns about what is being hidden.”
Amidst wider protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, many detainees have reported issues like overcrowding and inadequate legal processes.
Rep. Benny Thompson (D-Miss.) echoed similar sentiments regarding Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem, alleging that she is also restricting access to ICE field offices.
DHS has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these claims.
In a statement, Thompson remarked, “No matter how much she and Trump aim to impose authoritarian control, the agency must abide by the law. This unlawful policy serves merely as a cover for preventing access to ICE offices, including for U.S. citizens.”
He underscored, “These are detention facilities and should be open to inspection at any time. Otherwise, it’s just another misleading assertion from DHS. There’s no legal basis for denying access to ICE facilities.”
