This page will teach you how to submit a request for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records. DHS receives and responds to more FOIA requests each year than any other U.S. Federal Agency.
As the DHS Chief FOIA Officer, the Chief Privacy Officer oversees the FOIA program and reports on performance. Learn more about the law that gives the public access to DHS records on our Policy and Compliance page.
Changes to OBIM FOIA Requests
“Effective 3/5/2025, DHS is no longer accepting hard copy (mail) or emailed requests for Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) records within Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM). To ensure timely processing of your request, you must submit your request for OBIM IDENT records through our portal. Submit a request to OBIM by creating a login here: SecureRelease™ Portal.”
The below is an updated monthly snapshot of DHS' received FOIA requests:
Total Received in FY 25 | Total Received Current Month | Average Month Received Since Start of FY |
|---|---|---|
313,633 | 81,821 | 78,161 |
**NOTE: The numbers shown above are only a snapshot in time and do not reflect live data. Thus, numbers are subject to change in aggregate data formats such as the annual report.
Learn more about FOIA data on our Reports page.
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How to Make FOIA Requests
Learn how to submit a FOIA request or a Privacy Act request. Failure to submit all required information will result in delay or rejection of requests.
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FOIA Policy & Compliance
The DHS Privacy Office issues the Department's FOIA regulations and policies.
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FOIA Reports
The DHS Privacy Office published the Annual FOIA Report and the Chief FOIA Officer Report.
