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Thirteen US senators, including USegon’s Sen. Ron Wyden, co-signed a letter to Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, insisting that DHS grant Congress access to immigration detention facilities.
After immigrant rights advocates, former detainees, and members of Congress raised concerns about conditions at ICE detention facilities, members of Congress and their staff were also denied access to multiple detention facilities this year.
The Appropriations Act of 2024 requires DHS and its components and agencies to allow members of Congress to inspect detention facilities without notice, and for their staff to enter if at least 24 hours’ notice is given.
Tidings Data Snapshot
Congressional Oversight Of ICE Detention: Key FactsSource: Sen. Hirono and Sen. Ossoff Dec. 1, 2025 letter summary, 2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act access rules, and related congressional oversight reportingDailyTidings.com
In their letter to Noem, the senators accused DHS of illegally denying them access. They insisted that the Secretary provide answers to critical questions, including:
- How many visits to DHS detention facilities were Members of Congress or their staff denied or delayed by DHS since January 20, 2025
- How many visits were allowed without delay, and how many were delayed?
- Can DHS please provide a copy of the most recent guidance to members of Congress and their staff
- about Congressional access to facilities where individuals are held?
- Can DHS please provide a copy of the most recent guidance for facility operators regarding Congressional access to detention facilities?
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