House Democrats have filed a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that the Trump administration’s recent policy restricting congressional access to immigration detention sites constitutes a legal violation. The lawsuit targets the administration’s decision to bar members of Congress from entering these facilities, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers such as Rep. Dan Goldman. Goldman, who was previously denied entry to an ICE field office in New York, is among the twelve Democrats challenging the policy’s legality.
The complaint, filed in federal court, argues that the new ICE guidance violates the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants members of Congress the right to inspect immigration detainees. Lawmakers claim that the policy effectively limits their ability to monitor the treatment of immigrants in custody and investigate potential human rights abuses. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the implementation of the new rule, which was introduced in late 2019 and has since been a point of contention in congressional oversight efforts.
Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat and co-author of the lawsuit, stated that the policy undermines the constitutional guarantee of Congress’s oversight role. ‘This is not just about access to facilities—it’s about the integrity of our immigration system and the accountability of those enforcing it,’ he said. The legal battle comes as part of a broader debate over executive overreach and the balance of power between branches of government. Supporters of the administration’s policy argue that it was necessary to prevent misuse of government resources and ensure that only authorized officials can conduct inspections.
As the case moves forward, it could set a precedent for how Congress interacts with federal agencies on immigration enforcement matters. The outcome may influence future legislative efforts and the scope of congressional oversight in immigration policy. Meanwhile, the Democratic-led House continues to push for reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement practices.