Surprise Lawmaker Visits to ICE Facilities Upheld by US Judge

Congressional lawmakers can make unannounced visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Judge Jia M. Cobb of the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction in response to the request made by 12 members of Congress who brought the suit alleging they were denied access to the facilities.

Funding for the facilities is linked to a requirement in a congressional rider, present since 2020, that permits members of Congress to visit without notice to inspect and oversee the facilities.

In 2025, ICE changed its policy to require members of Congress ...