1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

This new guidance from the Department of Homeland Security to require 72 hours' notice before lawmakers can visit immigration detention facilities is deeply concerning. Providing oversight of these facilities is a critical part of Congress' role, and attempts to obstruct or delay this lawful duty are unacceptable. If conditions at these detention centers are appropriate, there should be no need to restrict access in this manner. Imposing draconian limitations on inspections only fuels suspicions of mismanagement or misconduct that the agency wishes to conceal. Congress must be able to carry out its oversight responsibilities unimpeded to ensure accountability and humane treatment of detainees. This policy is an affront to the system of checks and balances and should be immediately rescinded.