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myOIDO

OIDO logo of a hummingbird over a shield with text (to the right): OIDO Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman

OIDO has launched myOIDO: an electronic version of the Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405), available for complaints regarding any immigration detention facility nationwide. If preferred, you may still complete the paper case intake form and submit it via mail or email. OIDO will examine the issues and address the matter to the best of our ability. 

  • OIDO can assist with allegations of:
    • Misconduct,
    • Excessive force,
    • Violation of an individual detainee’s rights, and/or
    • Violations of law, standards of professional conduct, contract terms, or policy related to immigration detention.
  • The alleged incident must have occurred while in DHS immigration detention and been committed by:
    • DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff or contractors.

If your situation does not meet these criteria, or to view a list of other DHS avenues for providing feedback or filing a complaint, visit the Provide Feedback or Make Complaints to DHS webpage.

OIDO reviews complaints related to the conditions of immigration detention. It does not address requests to reconsider an individual’s detention, the reasons for detention, the denial of a request for release from immigration detention (including parole), or the standards for considering release.

  • A current or former detainee who is seeking assistance regarding something that occurred, or is occurring, while in immigration detention.
  • An individual submitting on behalf of a current or former detainee at one of the above locations. This may include a family member or a legal representative. 
    • Attorneys and accredited representatives must complete and submit a signed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative to receive updates and case specific information from OIDO.
    • Case submitters who are not attorneys or accredited representatives must complete and submit a signed ICE Form 60-001, Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party, to receive updates and case information from OIDO.
  • An individual submitting an anonymous concern.

  • Violations of law, standards of professional conduct, detention standards, or policies related to immigration detention. 
  • Potential misconduct by DHS personnel or contractors.
  • Use of excessive force by DHS personnel or contractors. 
  • Other concerns regarding conditions within immigration detention facilities.
  • Violations of a detainee’s rights.

  • Communicate with anyone but a detainee or his or her representatives about a case without permission from the detainee.
  • Review removal cases, requests for bond or parole, requests for release, or any other issues related to admission or removal.
  • Review the reason an individual is currently detained or was previously detained.
  • Provide legal advice.

Once a case is submitted through myOIDO, a new screen will appear with a portal number.  Keep this number handy until the case number is received.  Within 48 hours, OIDO's intake staff will verify cases received through myOIDO and create an official complaint.  The submitter of the case will then receive an automated email with the case number (not the same as the portal number) that should be referenced in communication with OIDO going forward.

  • Can I still submit a paper case intake form (DHS Form 405) rather than using myOIDO?
    • Yes. If you prefer, you can still submit a paper case intake form instead of submitting a case through myOIDO.
  • How long do I have to complete the form? 
    • myOIDO will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity. The submission will save after each section as long as the user remains active.  The submission will not be saved if the portal times out due to 20 minutes of inactivity. 
  • How long will it take to complete the form through myOIDO? 
    • The form will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. 
  • Who can I contact if I am having technical difficulties submitting a case through myOIDO?
  • Which types of supporting documents do I need to provide when submitting a case through myOIDO? 
    • The following are examples of supporting documents that can be submitted:
      • Form G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, if an attorney or accredited representative (if applicable). 
      • ICE Form 60-001 Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party, if a family member, friend, or other case submitter (if applicable). 
      • Copies of documents, photographs, narratives, or other materials in support of the case. 
  • Where and when do I submit those documents?
    • If you would like to submit supporting documents, you must wait until you receive the confirmation email from OIDO that the case was created. The submitter can then reply to that email and attach their supporting documents.
  • Is the myOIDO portal available in other languages? 
    • myOIDO is available in English and Spanish. Additional languages will be coming in the future. If you require another language, please complete the paper Case Intake Form, available in seven additional languages.
  • Can I save my case on myOIDO and complete it later? 
    • No, you cannot save a case and come back to it later. If you leave the page or are inactive for more than 20 minutes, the page will time out and your data will be unavailable.  

Last Updated: 01/30/2024
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