The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially released a damning set of visitation guidelines for members of Congress and their staff visiting ICE detention centers — and it’s sending a loud and clear message to the left: you are not above the law.
This comes after Democrat members of Congress and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stormed the ICE facility in Newark on Friday.
Democrat Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bob Menendez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman were all fighting for the release of dangerous criminal aliens.
Newark Mayor Baraka was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, but the Democrat lawmakers who engaged in riotous behavior have not been charged yet.
Democrat Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman ran to CNN to defend the criminal acts at the ICE facility.
The Department of Homeland Security responded to Rep. Bonnie’s lies by posting bodycam footage of the violent altercation as New Jersey Democrats stormed the ICE facility.
“Let’s check the tape,” the DHS said.
Let’s check the tape. https://t.co/1S66cGSxct pic.twitter.com/LqEFhTrnYl
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 11, 2025
In a pathetic attempt to justify the chaos, Rep. Menendez Jr. released a statement invoking his supposed “right” to access DHS detention centers at will:
“No matter what this Administration tells the American people, the law is very clear: Members of Congress have a legal right to enter any DHS detention facility to conduct oversight without prior notice… So despite the Admin’s attempts to spin this, they know we had every right to be there and enter the facility.”
But DHS wasn’t having it.
In a clear and unequivocal post on X, DHS put the lawless Left on notice:
“Members of Congress cannot break the law in the name of “oversight.” All members and staff need to comply with facility rules, procedures, and instructions from ICE personnel on site.”
The post linked to a comprehensive set of updated ICE Facility Visitation Guidelines for Congressional Members and Staff, which makes one thing crystal clear: this is a nation of laws, not of Democrat theatrics.
Key Guidelines That Destroy the Democrat Talking Points:
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Congressional Staff Must Give 24-Hour Notice: No surprise visits from unelected aides. Staffers trying to enter without prior clearance will be denied access.
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Identification Is Mandatory: No one gets in without proper, verified government-issued ID. Period.
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No Recording Devices: Cell phones, cameras, and any recording tools are strictly prohibited inside detention centers.
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No Campaigning: ICE made it clear that political stunts—including town halls, press conferences, and photo ops—are banned from detention facilities under the Hatch Act.
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Security Comes First: Visitors are subject to searches, must pass through magnetometers, and cannot bring in any weapons, drugs, or contraband.
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Detainee Meetings Require Privacy Waivers: Want to talk to a detainee? You better come with the paperwork in order. No more ambushes or media spectacles.
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No Donations: Democrats often bring in supplies for photo ops—ICE says “NO” to donations at detention centers.
Members of Congress cannot break the law in the name of “oversight.” All members and staff need to comply with facility rules, procedures, and instructions from ICE personnel on site.
ICE facility visitation guidelines for Congressional members and staff: https://t.co/jUCZ7rI4at pic.twitter.com/E8HFLcrEKT
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 11, 2025
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