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Advocates and some members press for unannounced, independent oversight; no DHS/GEO witnesses at hearing
Summary
Multiple witnesses and Democratic members urged unannounced independent oversight of Delaney Hall and passage of statutory protections; Republicans said visits and standards exist. The hearing did not include DHS or GEO Group witnesses.
Advocates and Democratic members repeatedly urged the subcommittee to open Delaney Hall to independent, unannounced oversight, allow press access, and pass statutory protections. "Allow the press in, allow members of Congress in, allow advocacy organizations in for full access," Amol Sinha said. Ranking members also cited a recent federal district court opinion that addressed detainee release and habeas corpus concerns.
Republican members and witnesses said contractual standards, inspections and multiple oversight channels exist and questioned the timing and methodology of activist visits. Several members and witnesses noted that no DHS or GEO Group officials were called to testify at the hearing; members on both sides said additional documents and follow-up testimony were necessary.
