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 or Complaint
Provide Feedback or Make Complaints by Issue Area
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, 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Provide Feedback or Make Complaints
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations regarding DHS policies and activities, please utilize the CRCL complaint portal: https://www.dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint
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.
Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO)
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Violations
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Liberties.
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.
Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO)
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Violations
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations related to being detained by any DHS Component, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Liberties.
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 through the FEMA Office of Equal Rights.
Public Assistance applicants can provide feedback on the program and our technology system through the Grants Portal Hotline by phone at (866) 337-8448 or by email at FEMA-PA-Grants@fema.dhs.gov.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Violations
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations related to a disaster assistance program or claim, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Liberties.
E-Verify is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
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 Contact 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.
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Violations
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations related to any immigration benefit program, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Liberties.
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 Engagement and Services Line (VESL)
ICE's Victims Engagement and Services Line (VESL) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Victims Engagement and Services Line (VESL) serves as a comprehensive and inclusive support system for all victims, regardless of immigration status or the immigration status of the perpetrator. This includes guidance on available U- and T-visa resources and information about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign to counter human trafficking. To reach out, call the toll free hotline, 1-833-383-1465.
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.
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Violations
To report civil rights or civil liberties violations related to any DHS immigration enforcement activity, file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Liberties.
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.
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.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employs a risk-based strategy to secure the United States travel and transportation systems. For information about the screening process or to submit a complaint or compliment, please contact the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 or submit an inquiry online. You may also find an answer to your questions and concerns in our frequently asked questions.
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.
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Customs and Border Protection
Detention
Immigration Benefits
Privacy
Transportation Security Administration
- FY 20 TSA Contact Center (TCC) Report
- FY 19 TSA Contact Center (TCC) Report
- FOIA Electronic Reading Room
DHS Public Complaint and Feedback System
Employment at 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.