Fact Check: "Rep. Thompson calls DHS's new policy an 'affront to the Constitution.'"
What We Know
Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, criticized a new policy from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that limits congressional access to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. In his statement, Thompson described the policy as "an affront to the Constitution and Federal law" (source-1). This policy requires lawmakers to provide at least 72 hours' notice before visiting ICE facilities, which Thompson argues undermines congressional oversight rights (source-2).
Thompson's statement reflects a broader concern among several House Democrats who believe that the new guidelines are designed to obstruct their ability to conduct oversight of ICE facilities, which are often criticized for their treatment of detainees (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Rep. Thompson called the DHS's new policy an "affront to the Constitution" is supported by multiple sources. His statement explicitly uses this phrase to characterize the policy, which he argues is unprecedented and unlawful. The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official statements from Thompson and reputable news outlets reporting on the issue.
The Washington Post, for instance, provides a detailed account of the new policy and includes Thompson's direct quotes, reinforcing the accuracy of his statement (source-2). Additionally, other news outlets have echoed Thompson's concerns, citing the potential implications for congressional oversight (source-6).
The sources used are credible and provide a consistent narrative regarding the controversy surrounding the DHS policy. The criticism from Thompson and other lawmakers is rooted in a constitutional framework that emphasizes the importance of oversight by Congress, particularly in matters involving federal law enforcement and immigration.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Rep. Thompson did indeed call the DHS's new policy an "affront to the Constitution," as evidenced by his official statement and corroborated by multiple reliable news sources. The context of his statement highlights significant concerns regarding congressional oversight and the implications of restricting access to ICE facilities.
