U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a new policy Monday significantly restricting the ability of members of Congress to meet with detainees during facility visits, citing operational disruptions and a lack of statutory requirements.
Under the new restrictions, lawmakers may only meet with detainees who are identified by name at least two business days in advance and who have provided written consent. ICE stated the change is effective immediately and is intended to restore “order and integrity” to congressional visits, which the agency described as disruptive and resource-intensive.
This morning @RepSaraJacobs and I conducted an unannounced oversight visit to the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego. ICE allowed the two of us to enter the facility, consistent with federal law and recent court rulings that have reaffirmed the right of Members of Congress… pic.twitter.com/3JeToY0qKD
— Rep. Mike Levin (@RepMikeLevin) May 11, 2026
According to the memorandum, visits have grown sharply in recent years. ICE reported an average of 45 congressional facility visits per year in the decade before fiscal 2025, increasing to more than 160 in fiscal 2025 and approximately 200 as of May 11 in fiscal 2026.
The agency will no longer facilitate open-ended requests for meetings during these visits. Instead, congressional offices must provide a specific name, advance notice, and proof of consent, such as a signed ICE Form 60-001. ICE argued that detainees already have sufficient avenues to contact members of Congress, including through direct inquiries and regular visitation hours.
These restrictions may complicate broad oversight efforts, particularly when lawmakers seek to speak with detainees whose identities are not known prior to the visit. ICE maintained that the policy better balances security, privacy, and operational needs. The agency framed the move as a response to increasing burdens on staff, citing instances of lawmakers or aides allegedly taking photos, refusing security screenings, or using devices to record inside facilities.
The memorandum also noted that requests to meet with large groups or detainees defined by broad characteristics—such as gender or specific arrest circumstances—are “impractical”. ICE officials said such requests divert staff from core law enforcement duties and interfere with facility schedules, medical care, and legal visits.
The policy change comes amid heightened tension over immigration enforcement and oversight. ICE noted that congressional access has reached a “historic level” under President Donald J. Trump and suggested the agency has been unusually transparent with lawmakers. However, for members of Congress, the move represents a new barrier to unannounced inspections and interviews often used to document conditions at immigration facilities.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
