Office of Congressional Relations (OCR)

Mission

The mission of the Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) is to serve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through congressional activities on behalf of the Assistant Secretary, executive staff and all employees of ICE. The Assistant Secretary places the highest priority on assisting Members of Congress and their staff on issues related to congressional inquiries, concerns and oversight. It is OCR's primary purpose to provide an effective liaison with Congress regarding ICE policies and programs. All efforts are in partnership with appropriate Executive Branch components and in coordination with the Assistant Secretary and the executive staff.

OCR Responsibilities

• To maintain a professional relationship with Congressional offices and provide timely responses to Congressional inquiries concerning casework, policy, operational and technical issues.
  
  
• To serve as the liaison with Members of Congress and their staff on a broad range of ICE-related operations, programs and policies of mutual interest. OCR is also responsible for preparing materials for congressional hearings, briefings and meetings, as well as analysis and coordination of policy issues pertaining to federal legislation. The branch works closely with ICE program areas in the development of language, policy issues and implementation efforts regarding federal legislation. Moreover, OCR develops and maintains educational processes to keep Congressional Members informed of critical issues and concerns, as well as the performance of ICE.