DHS to Congress: 'You Know Nothing!' About ICE Visits

Winter is Coming... For Congressional Oversight

Hark my loyal subjects! Your Khaleesi Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Protector of the Realm Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons brings you tidings… of political maneuvering! It seems the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the watchful eye of King Trump (though I suspect he’d rather be called King of the Iron Throne) is playing games with the rules of engagement. Specifically they’re tightening the leash on Congressional visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Apparently some of my fellow politicians have been causing a bit of a ruckus at these establishments.

Fire and Blood... And Paperwork!

Now I understand the need for order – 'Fire and Blood,' after all is my family motto. But even I who once burned cities to the ground (a slight overreaction I admit!) believe in fair play. The DHS in its infinite wisdom has decided that ICE gets to decide who gets to tour their detention centers. And they want at least 72 hours’ notice! 72 hours! By the time I got 72 hours’ notice in Westeros the Red Wedding would have already happened... twice! And those Starks always complaining.

You Win or You Die... Or You Get Arrested

According to reports some Democratic politicians bless their cotton socks have been having heated disagreements with ICE agents. One U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver even got into a bit of a *scuffle* (as the small folk call it) and is now facing prosecution. Arrested? For trying to conduct oversight? I've faced worse odds fighting the Sons of the Harpy! At least they weren't armed with paperwork and bureaucratic red tape.

Dracarys! To Inconvenient Congressional Visits

The DHS claims it is merely trying to 'accommodate' lawmakers. But let's be honest this sounds like a dragon trying to 'accommodate' a flock of sheep. The new guidelines give ICE 'sole and unreviewable discretion' to deny or cancel visits. 'Unreviewable,' you say? Tell that to my dragons when they're hungry! Even they understand the concept of checks and balances... after they've had their fill of roasted goat of course.

The Iron Throne... Of Bureaucracy!

King Trump who promised to deport millions is clearly trying to build a fortress around his immigration policies and he has sought to deport international students legally studying in the U.S. who have pro Palestinian views. But I Daenerys Targaryen know that walls and restrictions only breed resentment. Remember the Wall in the North? Kept out White Walkers for a while but eventually... well you know how that ended. Better to bend the knee and offer a fair hearing than to risk a full blown rebellion.

Where are my Dragons When I Need Them?

So what is to be done? I say let the dragons of oversight fly! Let the lawmakers visit these facilities ask the hard questions and hold those in power accountable. Perhaps with a little fire and blood (figuratively of course!) we can bring some balance back to this realm. After all 'If I look back I am lost.' And I for one am not about to lose sight of justice... or a good political spectacle. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a dragon to feed... and a kingdom to rule.