Lawmakers Denied Access to Minneapolis ICE Facility Under New DHS Policy
A recent directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked controversy as federal lawmakers found themselves barred from visiting an immigration detention center in Minneapolis. This move follows a memo issued by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, outlining a new visitation policy requiring advance notice for such visits.
Federal law permits members of Congress to conduct unannounced inspections of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. This right was reinforced by a federal court ruling in D.C. last month, which confirmed that the provision applies to facilities funded through regular congressional appropriations. However, Secretary Noem’s January 8 memo, obtained by NPR, contends that the Minneapolis facility is financed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, thus exempting it from the unannounced visit policy.
On Saturday, the new policy was reportedly enforced to prevent three Minnesota congresswomen from entering the ICE detention center in Minneapolis. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed solely with Republican backing last summer, allocated $45 billion to immigration detention centers operating beyond capacity. It also earmarked approximately $30 billion for additional ICE personnel, transportation, and facility upkeep.
Noem’s memo justifies the advance notice policy by stating, “The basis of this policy is that advance notice is necessary to ensure adequate protection for Members of Congress, congressional staff, detainees, and ICE employees alike.” She elaborated, “Unannounced visits require pulling ICE officers away from their normal duties.” Noem also criticized what she described as “circus-like publicity stunts” that disrupt legitimate oversight activities.
Minnesota Lawmakers Demand Oversight Amid Tensions
In Minneapolis, tensions remain high following an incident where an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old, last Wednesday. The Trump administration defended the shooting as self-defense. In response, Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison attempted to visit the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday. Initially granted access, they were soon asked to leave and denied a tour.
Rep. Craig emphasized the importance of oversight, stating, “It is our job as members of Congress to make sure those folks detained are treated with humanity because we are the damn United States of America!” she told reporters outside the facility. “And we don’t treat people the way this administration is treating people.”
The denial of entry underscores the ongoing debate over federal oversight of immigration detention centers. With over 2,000 federal agents already in Minnesota, the state is poised for further developments in the days ahead.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
