Subject: Re: A Day In The Life, Oct 10
BMH: Did he make an appointment for any of these visits?

They don't need to Mike, see below.

Language found in annual appropriations acts gives members of Congress, including senators, the right to conduct unannounced oversight visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. This authority is derived from the power of the purse granted to Congress by the Constitution, which allows it to set conditions on how federal funds are spent.

The specific language, which has been included in appropriations law for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), states that funds may not be used to prevent certain individuals, including members of Congress, from entering DHS-operated facilities for oversight purposes.
Key details on oversight authority

Source of authority: The power comes from appropriations acts passed by Congress each year, which provide funding for DHS.
Annual inclusion: The provision is not a permanent part of the U.S. Code but is regularly reauthorized through annual spending bills.
Unannounced visits: The appropriations language explicitly states that prior notice is not required for a member of Congress to enter a facility for oversight.
Distinction between members and staff: While a member of Congress does not need to provide notice, ICE's policy requires congressional staff to give at least 24 hours' notice.

Ask if an appointment is necessary first, Mike.