Congress Faces New Hurdles in Checking ICE Facilities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out a new rule. It says lawmakers must now give a week's notice before visiting ICE detention centers. This move comes after a court stopped a similar rule last year. Some Democrats were recently turned away from an ICE facility in Minneapolis. This happened after an ICE officer shot and killed a woman. The Trump administration says the officer acted in self-defense. But local leaders disagree.Before this rule, lawmakers could visit ICE facilities anytime. But now, they need permission from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. She says the rule is for safety. She also says unannounced visits disrupt ICE's work. The new rule uses money from a big immigration funding bill. This bill gave ICE $75 billion. Critics say the rule is just a way to hide what's happening inside these facilities. Noem argues that unannounced visits cause chaos. She says they turn into publicity stunts. But many see this rule as a way to avoid scrutiny.