ICE Issues Memo Restricting Congressional Visits to Detention Facilities

On May 11, 2026, ICE issued a memo containing further restrictions regarding Congressional visits to detention facilities. The memo now mandates that only detainees who are identified by name at least two days before the visit and who provide a signed consent form can be visited. The memo was first shared by Rep. Mike Levin who received it on May 11 when he and Rep. Sara Jacobs conducted an unannounced visit to the Otey Mesa Detention Center and attempted to visit with detainees.

Read AILA's transcript of the memo below, followed by Rep. Levin's photos of the document.