Lawsuit Filed to Restore Oversight Offices at DHS
Three prominent advocacy organizations—Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Southern Border Communities Coalition, and Urban Justice Center—have initiated legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuit seeks to reverse the Trump administration’s recent decision to shutter critical civil rights oversight offices within the department.
Background of the Lawsuit
In a move criticized by many, the Trump administration instructed DHS employees to halt operations of its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Office, and the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. The directive ceased all investigations and the handling of existing complaints. A DHS spokesperson claimed that these offices posed “bureaucratic hurdles” and detracted from the agency’s primary mission of immigration enforcement.
Purpose of the Oversight Offices
These three offices were established by Congress to safeguard the civil rights and privacy interests of individuals. Their functions include:
- Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Office: Investigates complaints related to constitutional rights, such as privacy violations and excessive use of force by Border Patrol agents.
- CIS Ombudsman’s Office: Assists immigrants facing challenges with work permits and green card applications.
- Immigration Detention Ombudsman: Monitors detention facility conditions and addresses complaints regarding excessive force, sexual abuse, and inadequate medical care.
Advocacy Groups’ Position
Leading the legal efforts, Karla Gilbride of Public Citizen Litigation Group stated, “Eliminating these three offices both undermines the ability of individuals to rein in the overreach of DHS, and violates the constitutional principle of separation of powers.” She emphasized that the closures hinder essential civil rights protections and accountability mechanisms when they are most needed.
Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward, asserted that the dismantling of these offices does not improve anyone’s safety but instead targets vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants. She vowed to continue utilizing all available legal avenues to advocate for civil rights.
Concerns from Advocacy Leaders
Anthony Enriquez from RFK Human Rights remarked on the urgency of the situation, noting the organization has filed complaints regarding systemic abuses in immigration detention centers. He highlighted that “no president has the power to single-handedly rewrite those laws,” emphasizing the role of oversight offices in preventing abuses.
Lilian Serrano of the Southern Border Communities Coalition voiced concerns about the implications of closing these oversight offices, calling it a clear attempt by the Trump administration to evade accountability for actions taken by border agents.
Alessandra Rosales from the Urban Justice Center expressed that the closure of these offices poses significant risks to survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable populations, as vital protections established by Congress are now at risk.
Next Steps
The full lawsuit complaint is available for review, detailing the allegations and demands made by the advocacy groups. For further information or to request interviews with the litigation team or plaintiffs, contact Patrick Davis at pd****@*****en.org.
