New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) has sharply condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s recent decision to suspend congressional oversight visits to ICE facilities, citing the ongoing government shutdown as justification. The move was reported earlier today by POLITICO and has sparked renewed debate over transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement operations. For additional coverage on law and order issues in New Jersey, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/category/law-order/
McIver, who faced charges and an indictment tied to an oversight visit she conducted in May at an ICE detention facility in her district under the Trump administration, voiced concern that the shutdown is being used as a pretext to limit congressional scrutiny. “ICE wants to operate in the dark and this president wants to let them,” McIver said. “Trump and Republicans are using the shutdown that they caused as an excuse to give ICE coverage to operate without oversight. It’s wrong and it’s not what happens in a democracy.”
Highlighting the constitutional basis for congressional oversight, McIver stressed that her primary duty is to protect her constituents and ensure government agencies are held accountable. She emphasized that oversight is a legal and constitutional authority granted to members of Congress and cannot simply be suspended due to political disagreements or administrative convenience. “My job is to protect the people I represent. That means making sure government is accountable to them,” McIver stated.
The decision by DHS to halt oversight visits has raised concerns among lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that ICE operations, particularly within detention facilities, require continuous monitoring to prevent abuses and maintain transparency. Critics say the suspension of oversight, even temporarily, could limit Congress’s ability to detect potential violations of detainee rights and compliance issues with federal regulations.
McIver’s statement underscores a broader tension between Congress and federal agencies when it comes to enforcing accountability in immigration detention facilities, particularly during politically charged periods such as government shutdowns. The move has prompted calls for immediate reinstatement of oversight access to ensure that ICE remains answerable to the public and Congress alike.
For more updates on government accountability, congressional oversight, and law enforcement matters impacting New Jersey, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/category/law-order/
