An ombudsman analyzes, reports on, and raises complaints, concerns, and recommendations to the appropriate agency for resolution. This work is done with a commitment to neutrality, independence, and confidentiality. The ombudsman offices are separate and distinct from the agencies they oversee.
DHS has two ombudsman offices:
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Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), which serves as a liaison between the public and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Office assists individuals and employers in resolving problems experienced when seeking immigration benefits from USCIS, gathers feedback to identify systemic trends and issues, and submits recommendations to USCIS to mitigate problems and enhance processes.
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Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman
The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), which examines immigration detention to promote safe and humane conditions. The Office assists individuals with complaints about the potential violation of immigration detention standards or misconduct by DHS or contract personnel. OIDO provides independent oversight of immigration detention facilities—including conducting announced and unannounced inspections and reviewing contract terms for immigration detention facilities and services—and tracks trends and systemic issues across facilities.
