Washington — The Trump administration is reducing the number of employees at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, effectively eliminating the department’s civil rights and immigration liaison services.
The DHS stated that the offices “often function as internal adversaries that slow down operations.” Migrant Insider was the first to report the decision.
The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties advises the department on civil liberties and rights issues, as well as investigating and responding to complaints.
The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman assists those who file complaints about potential violations of immigration detention standards, as well as DHS or contract personnel.
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman also assists employers and individuals with any issues they may have with US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“These offices have obstructed immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining DHS’s mission,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. “Rather than supporting law enforcement efforts, they often function as internal adversaries that slow down operations.”
“DHS remains committed to civil rights protections, but it must streamline oversight to remove impediments to enforcement.” These cuts ensure that taxpayer dollars go towards the Department’s primary mission: border security and immigration enforcement.”
