Twelve Democratic members of Congress filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday against the Trump administration, accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of blocking their oversight visits to immigration detention centers. The lawsuit, lodged in Washington, D.C.’s federal court, demands unrestricted and immediate access to all ICE facilities, including unannounced visits, as permitted by law.

The lawsuit highlights a surge in ICE arrests and reports of dire conditions in detention centers, including overcrowding, food shortages, inadequate medical care, and unsanitary environments. Despite Congress allocating $45 billion for ICE detention—over 13 times the agency’s current budget—lawmakers say they are being denied entry to ensure funds are used lawfully.

ICE’s new rule requiring a seven-day notice for visits has sparked outrage. For instance, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) was turned away from the El Paso center on July 9, and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colorado) faced similar obstruction at the Aurora facility on July 20. ICE has also barred lawmakers from inspecting field offices, claiming they are not “detention facilities,” even though detainees are held there without basic amenities like beds or showers.

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Reps. Daniel Goldman (D-New York), Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi), and Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) were denied entry to field offices in New York and Virginia, despite reports of detainees being held for days. Other plaintiffs include California Democrats Norma Torres, Raul Ruiz, Jimmy Gomez, Jose Luis Correa, Robert Garcia, and New York’s Adriano Espaillat.

“No child should sleep on concrete, and no one should be denied care,” Rep. Gomez declared. “This lawsuit ensures ICE can’t hide from Congressional oversight.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawsuit as a publicity stunt, arguing that a week’s notice prevents interference with executive functions. However, the lawmakers insist the law grants them immediate access without prior approval, especially amid rising assaults and disruptions reported at ICE facilities.

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