House Democrats ask judge to block Noem's revived ICE visit rule

House Democrats asked a federal judge to block DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's reinstated seven-day notice requirement for congressional visits to ICE detention facilities, saying it conflicts with a prior court stay and federal spending law. They asked the court to order DHS to explain the new policy and to hold an emergency hearing.

House Democrats filed an emergency motion asking a federal judge to block a Department of Homeland Security directive that requires seven days' advance notice for congressional visits to ICE detention facilities. They say the directive was issued after a December court stay and that it conflicts with Section 527, a federal spending-law provision. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb had previously stayed the earlier notice rule unless defendants showed no Section 527 funds were used. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a renewed directive last week that DHS says will be funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Key points: - Democrats' filing says the new seven-day notice rule duplicates the prior policy and violates Judge Jia Cobb's December stay. - Plaintiffs argue it is implausible DHS developed and implemented the policy using exclusively One Big Beautiful Bill Act funds and asked the court to order DHS to show cause about the funding. - DHS has maintained the guidance is lawful, saying ICE facilities are funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and that the rule aims to protect Members of Congress, staff, detainees, and ICE employees. Summary: The core issue is whether the new DHS guidance circumvents Section 527 and the earlier court order and whether it impedes congressional oversight of ICE facilities. Lawmakers asked the judge to require DHS to explain the policy and to hold an emergency hearing. Undetermined at this time whether the court will grant the requested relief.