Twelve Democratic members of Congress have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing immigration officials of unlawfully blocking access to detention centers housing noncitizens. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., challenges a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that requires seven days’ notice for congressional visits and designates certain Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities as “off-limits” for oversight.
Led by Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse of Colorado, the lawmakers argue that unannounced inspections are essential to monitor conditions, citing repeated reports of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate care at ICE facilities. Neguse emphasized that restricting these visits violates federal laws enacted in 2019 during Trump’s first term and undermines constitutional checks and balances.
The complaint names DHS, ICE, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and acting ICE director Todd Lyons as defendants. DHS has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
Other plaintiffs include key Democratic figures such as Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat of New York, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin of Maryland. The lawmakers represent districts across California, Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, and Texas.
The case, Neguse et al v. ICE et al (No. 25-02463), underscores ongoing tensions over immigration policy and congressional oversight during Trump’s second term. Lawmakers say the new restrictions hinder their constitutional duty to investigate treatment of detainees amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. immigration practices.
By challenging DHS’s policy, Democrats aim to restore unfettered access to detention facilities and ensure humane conditions for migrants in federal custody.