Applaud the Judge for Protecting Congressional Oversight

A federal judge just delivered an important victory for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law — and it deserves our applause.

U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb blocked the Trump administration’s renewed attempt to bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits to immigration detention centers. These surprise inspections are a critical tool for exposing unsafe, inhumane, or unlawful conditions — and federal law clearly gives lawmakers the authority to conduct this oversight.

The administration tried to get around an earlier court order by shifting funding sources, but Judge Cobb saw through the maneuver. Her ruling made clear that the executive branch cannot use budget tricks to undermine Congress’s constitutional role or shield detention facilities from scrutiny.

This decision protects more than lawmakers’ access — it protects the people held inside these facilities. Without independent oversight, abuse thrives in the dark. By keeping the doors open to congressional inspections, the court reaffirmed that no agency is above accountability.

Add your name to applaud Judge Jia Cobb for defending democratic oversight, protecting transparency in immigration detention centers, and standing up to executive overreach.