A federal judge in D.C. has put a stop to a policy from the Trump administration that limited how members of Congress could visit immigration detention facilities. This policy required Congress members to give a week’s notice before they could enter these facilities and check on conditions. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb found that such a notice is likely illegal and threatens the ability of Congress to perform its oversight duties. In her ruling, Judge Cobb highlighted the importance of investigating overcrowding and potential abuse within these facilities, responding to a lawsuit filed by twelve Democratic lawmakers. The government's defense argued that the claimants lacked standing, but the judge firmly disagreed, insisting that conditions could change at any moment. She stated that the requirement makes it nearly impossible for lawmakers to accurately assess the state of these facilities based on the information available at the time of their requests.
Judge Blocks Trump Administration's ICE Visitor Policy
A federal judge has halted a controversial policy restricting Congress members from accessing immigration detention facilities without a week's notice.
In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a policy that required members of Congress to give a week's notice before visiting ICE immigration detention facilities. The judge emphasized the importance of congressional oversight in ensuring facility conditions are humane and safe. Twelve Democratic Congress members had sued after being denied access to observe conditions firsthand, arguing that limiting their visits obstructed oversight during heightened immigration enforcement. The government’s claims of legal standing and the speculative nature of facility conditions were dismissed by the judge.
