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  4. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties is elemental to all the work we do at DHS.

  • DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During the 2020 Wildfire Season

    On July 2, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement on Safety and Enforcement During the 2020 Wildfire Season:

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are concerned about the potential impact of the 2020 wildfire season to western and southwestern portions of the United States, including the current wildfires in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety.  In consideration of these circumstances, there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the wildfires, except in the event of a serious public safety threat.

  • Expert Recommendations Memo for Onsite Investigation at Worcester County Jail in Snow Hill, Maryland

    CRCL conducted an onsite investigation into conditions of detention for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees at the Worcester County Jail in Snow Hill, Maryland. The onsite occurred on November 13-15, 2019.

  • Accessibility Events

    Accessibility Events

  • Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons

    The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing guidance to recipients of Federal financial assistance regarding Title VI’s prohibition against national origin discrimination affecting persons with limited English proficient persons. This guidance is issued pursuant to Executive Order 13166 and is consistent with government-wide guidance previously issued by the Department of Justice.

  • Guidance to State and Local Governments and Other Federally Assisted Recipients Engaged in Emergency Preparedness, Response, Mitigation, and Recovery Activities on Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    The United States Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Transportation (DOT) are issuing this guidance to assist recipients of federal financial assistance engaged in emergency management (e.g., state and local emergency management agencies, law enforcement, healthcare service providers, housing and transit authorities). This ensures that individuals and communities affected by disasters do not face unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency) in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).

  • Reference Guide: Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services

    The Reference Guide was originally developed in response to the requirement of H.R. 5441 (PL 109-295), Section 689: Individuals with Disabilities, to develop disability related guidelines for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. This Guide is not intended to satisfy all of the guidance requirements contained in Section 689. Additional guidelines to accommodate individuals with disabilities will be issued in the future.

  • Retention Memo for Onsite Investigation at Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana

    CRCL opened complaints alleging abuses of the civil rights and civil liberties of individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Richwood Correctional Center in Richwood, Louisiana. The allegations raised and reviewed involved medical and mental health care, conditions of confinement, suicide prevention, detainee safety, segregation, the grievance system, and environmental health and safety.

  • DHS Component Disability Access Plans

    DHS Component Disability Access Plans

  • DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Tropical Depression Imelda

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement on safety and enforcement during Tropical Depression Imelda:

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are concerned about the flooding caused by Tropical Depression Imelda to southeast Texas. Our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety. In consideration of these circumstances, there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the storm, except in the event of a serious public safety threat.

  • DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Hurricane Dorian

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are concerned about the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian to portions of the East Coast.  Our highest priority remains the preservation of life and safety. In consideration of these circumstances, there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the storm, except in the event of a serious public safety threat.