Provide Feedback or Make Complaints to DHS

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has many avenues for the public to provide feedback and make complaints involving DHS employees or programs, alleged violations of civil rights and civil liberties, immigration filing, travel redress, and other types of grievances.

Remember: If you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local police department. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

General Avenues of Feedback

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is DHS’s primary investigative agency for criminal and non-criminal misconduct by DHS employees and contractors, as well as theft or misuse of DHS funds, property, or programs.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows individuals the right to request access to Federal records.

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) reviews and investigates civil rights and civil liberties concerns filed by the public regarding DHS policies and activities such as:

• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability;
• Violations of rights while in immigration detention or as a subject of immigration enforcement;
• Discrimination or inappropriate questioning related to entry into the United States;
• Violations of due process rights, such as  the right to timely notice of charges or access to a lawyer;
• Disability accommodation complaints under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
• Human rights complaints under Executive Order 13017;
• Violations of the Violence Against Women Act, U Visa, or T Visa confidentiality requirements;
• Physical abuse or any other type of abuse;
• Denial of meaningful access to DHS or DHS-supported programs, activities, or services due to limited English proficiency;
• Violations related to a DHS program or activity, including allegations of discrimination by an organization or program that receives financial assistance from DHS.

Customs and Border Security

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is charged with securing our Nation while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.

• CBP Traveler Complaints - File a complaint with CBP.
• CBP Info Center - Access CBP’s FAQs and submit compliments and complaints.
• CBP e-Allegations - Report suspected violations of U.S. customs law and related illicit trade activities.

Detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Online Detainee Locator System is not an avenue for feedback, but does offer the public a free locator resource for individuals in ICE custody.

Feedback regarding detention issues (and other general immigration enforcement concerns) may be directed to the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations’ (ERO) Detention Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) or submitted through the optional ERO Contact Form.

Disaster Assistance/Claims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Report alleged discrimination pertaining to the application or distribution methods of FEMA funds, services, or benefits, or file a complaint related to general disaster-related topics.

Employment Authorization

E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

• Review E-Verify policies and procedures, technical support, and employment eligibility.

Employment with DHS

DHS employees, applicants for employment with DHS, or former DHS employees who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, or reprisal for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protected activity may review the EEO complaint process for further information.

Immigration Benefits

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. For assistance with USCIS immigration filings or applications, submit an inquiry online or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 / 1-800-767-1833.

CIS Ombudsman

Individuals or employers seeking assistance, and have exhausted USCIS customer service options, may contact the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman). The CIS Ombudsman is a free, independent, confidential, and impartial resource for the public.

Immigration Enforcement

Report Illegal Immigration Activity

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal laws governing immigration to promote homeland security and public safety. Requests, inquiries, or complaints regarding immigration enforcement can be submitted to ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations' (ERO) Headquarters online.

Report Criminal Activity

ICE also investigates violations of immigration law and more than 400 violations of criminal law, ranging from child exploitation to transnational gangs. Enforcement tips may be submitted online or through the ICE toll-free tip line, 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

Victims of Criminal Aliens

ICE's Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office was established to acknowledge and serve the needs of victims and their families who have been impacted by crimes committed by removable criminal aliens. Impacted individuals may contact the VOICE office through a dedicated toll-free hotline, 1-855-48-VOICE.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ graduate level workers in specialty occupations. Suspected H-1B fraud, violations, and tips may be submitted online.

Preventing Terrorism

Protecting the American people from terrorist threats is the reason the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, and remains our highest priority. Report Security Incidents to DHS.

Privacy

Privacy concerns should be directed to the responsible DHS Component or to the DHS Privacy Office for further assistance.

• CBP
• FEMA
• ICE
• NPPD
• OIG
• POLICY
• TSA
• USCG
• USCIS
• USCIS Verification Division
• USSS
• US-VISIT

Securing Cyberspace

Cyber Incidents

The growing number of serious attacks on essential cyber networks is one of the most serious economic and national security threat our nation faces. An important way to help safeguard our nation from cyber security incidents is to report any incidents as appropriate.

Phishing

An attempt by an individual or group to solicit personal information from unsuspecting users by employing social engineering techniques. Report a phishing incident.

Transportation Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employs a risk-based strategy to secure the United States travel and transportation systems.

Concerns regarding general TSA operations may be submitted to either:

• TSA Complaints
• TSA Customer Service

Travel Screening Difficulties

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) reviews travelers’ concerns regarding watch list issues, denied or delayed entry into or departure from the U.S. at a port of entry or border crossing, allegations of unfair treatment or delay, boarding denials, and referrals for additional screening.

Travel Screening - Civil Rights Violations

To report concerns regarding unfair treatment or alleged discrimination due to a disability, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other civil rights or civil liberties violation, contact the TSA Disability and Multicultural Division.