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US government Limits Visits to Migrant Detention Centers
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New rules restrict parliamentarian access amid ongoing immigration debate.
By Anya Romanova | WASHINGTON D.C. – 2025/06/20 14:49:06
The US government has implemented new regulations that curtail parliamentarians’ ability to visit migrant detention facilities,amidst a continuing standoff between the administration of Donald Trump and the opposition regarding immigration policies.
The Ministry of Internal Security issued a circular in June, reviewed by AFP, granting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “discretionary” power to deny or terminate visits. The document states that visits can be canceled or shortened due to security concerns or if “site managers or other ICE officials believe that this is appropriate.”
While American federal law typically allows members of Congress to conduct unannounced oversight visits to ICE facilities, the new directive differentiates between migrant detention centers and local ICE offices. It asserts that the latter do not fall under the purview of the law authorizing such visits.
under the new rules, elected officials must submit a request at least three days in advance to visit these facilities, with no guarantee of approval. Several American media outlets and elected officials have reported that individuals arrested by immigration authorities are sometimes held for several days in local ICE offices before being transferred to detention centers.
Bennie G. Thompson, a Democratic Representative in the House, condemned the new rules as an “affront to federal law and the constitution.” He accused the administration of Donald Trump of attempting to “not onyl to limit when the members of the congress can make these visits, but also to completely block access to local antennas.”
These new regulations come amid increased ICE activity targeting undocumented immigrants, which has sparked demonstrations and clashes in cities like Los Angeles. Detractors have mobilized judicial and parliamentary resources to challenge these actions.
on May 9, a visit to a detention center in Newark, New Jersey, resulted in clashes between elected officials, demonstrators, and police. Lamonica McIiver, a New Jersey State representative, was charged with “assault” of a police officer during the incident, which occurred while she was inspecting the premises.
Combating illegal immigration has been a key priority for the administration of President Donald Trump as he assumed office in January.
Impact of the New Restrictions
The limitations on congressional visits raise concerns about openness and oversight of immigration detention facilities. Critics argue that these restrictions hinder the ability of elected officials to ensure the humane treatment of detainees and to hold ICE accountable.
“affront to federal law and the constitution”
Reactions to the Policy Change
The new policy has drawn strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters argue that the restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and security of detention facilities,while opponents contend that they undermine democratic accountability and transparency.
