The Department of Homeland Security is halting the acquisition of new warehouses designated for immigrant housing, initiating a review of all contracts executed under the previous administration. This decision follows the recent swearing-in of the new Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, who inherits a controversial detention capacity expansion plan. Existing warehouse purchases are also under scrutiny, with the department stating it is reviewing policies and proposals during this transition. This pause comes amid significant community opposition and legal challenges to facilities already purchased or planned.
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A federal judge has temporarily halted a Trump administration policy demanding a week’s notice from lawmakers wishing to visit immigration detention facilities. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb found that the policy is likely illegal and exceeds the government’s authority, noting the absence of evidence of safety concerns from unannounced visits. This ruling comes after a previous similar policy was also blocked, with the judge indicating the administration’s repeated attempts to impose such a requirement may violate legal principles and potentially use restricted funds. The challenge arose after lawmakers were denied entry to a facility shortly after the policy’s secret reinstatement following an ICE-involved shooting.
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A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) likely acted illegally by requiring seven days’ notice for congressional oversight visits to immigration detention facilities. The ruling found that DHS may have used congressionally restricted funds to create and enforce this notice policy. This decision comes amid growing concerns about detention facility conditions and aims to ensure lawmakers have timely access to crucial on-the-ground information.
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John Q. Hosedrinker