US lawmakers have taken legal action against the Trump administration, challenging recent changes to the rules governing Congressional visits to detention facilities. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday, spearheaded by Representative Joe Neguse.

Neguse, in a forceful statement, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Such blatant disregard for both the law and the constitutional order by the Trump administration warrants a serious and decisive response, which is why I’m proud to lead the lawsuit we proceeded with earlier today."

The core of the dispute revolves around a new policy implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which mandates that members of Congress provide a seven-day notice before visiting any detention facilities and restricts their access to certain areas. This policy is a significant departure from the provisions of the Public Oversight of Detention Centers Act of 2019 and 2024, which allows Congress members to conduct oversight visits without prior notice and have immediate access to the facilities.

The lawsuit details numerous instances since June 2025, where members of Congress were prevented from entering DHS facilities to assess conditions and gather information, despite giving notice of their visits. These barriers have occurred in the context of increasing reports of mistreatment and poor conditions within these facilities. Representative Neguse highlighted these concerns, noting, "Reports of mistreatment, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the detention of U.S. citizens are growing, and the need for real-time, on-the-ground oversight has never been more urgent."

This legal challenge underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Congressional Democrats, particularly concerning immigration policies and the administration's efforts to curb illegal immigration into the United States. The policy limiting Congressional visits to detention centers is seen by many lawmakers as a move to obscure the reality of conditions within these facilities and to impede accountability.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the oversight capabilities of Congress and the transparency of operations within detention facilities housing noncitizens. As the case progresses, it will likely attract considerable attention from both policymakers and the public, given its potential impact on immigration policy and Congressional oversight.