In light of recent events, we should not be surprised that the so-called “law and order” administration continues to refuse to follow Congressional mandates on the oversight of DHS detention facilities in spite of a 2019 law stating that DHS may not use funds to prevent Members of Congress “from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for [DHS] used to detain or otherwise house” noncitizens.
Since June, DHS has refused access. In July, a dozen Representatives filed a lawsuit in the D.C. U.S. District Court demanding access. Again, two weeks ago, Greg Cesar was turned away from a CoreCivic operated detention center in Texas based on the claim that unscheduled visits usurped executive authority.
Executive authority – we thought the courts would save us from its use in the increasing autocratic rule, but the Supreme Court in its shadow docket by 8-3 has upheld it. If the courts do not save us, who will? Congress and others may file lawsuits, but even when the new regime is told to obey a result, it does not do so. Is this our Stamp Act?
Prayer for the Day
Frustrated and upset, we come to you, O Holy One,
Knowing you created us all as your children;
You gave us eyes to see and ears to hear,
But often we shut out what we do not like to know;
Let us not ignore abhorrent acts done in our name,
For we know you will hold us to account.
In the name of the One who calls us to do justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
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Thoughts for the Day
Blocking Members of Congress from oversight visits to ICE facilities that house or otherwise detain immigrants clearly violates Federal law—and the Trump administration knows it. Such blatant disregard for both the law and the constitutional order by the Trump administration warrants a serious and decisive response.
U.S. Representative Jose Neguse (D- Colorado 2d)
Oversight of government agencies and the use of taxpayer dollars is a critical part of Congressional work. For years, and throughout multiple administrations, I have conducted oversight of federal agencies and facilities, including immigration facilities in my district. …. It is a Constitutional duty that I take incredibly seriously.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D- Texas 16th)
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,
And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind,
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
Psalm 26: 1-3