WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The US Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement (ICE) agency has issued new rules requiring lawmakers to give 
three days' notice to visit department facilities.

Members of Congress have the right under federal law to inspect immigration 
detention locations without prior notice to conduct oversight.

But ICE's new protocol differentiates between detention centers and field 
offices, which it says are not used to house detained migrants.

The changed rules come as the Trump administration has faced criticism from 
Democratic lawmakers over access to ICE facilities during its immigration 
crackdown.

Several Democratic representatives have been denied entry to ICE locations in 
recent months, leading to confrontations between lawmakers and federal 
agents.

The new rules require members of Congress to provide 72 hours' notice before 
visiting ICE facilities, a change from February guidelines that made no such 
requirement.

ICE retains discretion "to deny a request or otherwise cancel, reschedule or 
terminate a tour or visit," the new rules state.

Political activities at facilities have also been restricted.

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson slammed the move on Thursday, saying 
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's new policy "is not only 
unprecedented, it is an affront to the Constitution and Federal law."

"ICE is not above oversight and the Department must follow the law."