During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected populations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites providing emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. ICE and CBP generally refrain from conducting immigration enforcement activities at these locations, which include evacuation routes, shelters, distribution points for emergency supplies, food or water, and registration sites for disaster-related assistance or family reunification.
Upon request from FEMA or local authorities, ICE and CBP may assist in search and rescue operations, air traffic de-confliction, and public safety missions. Both agencies provide emergency assistance irrespective of an individual's immigration status. DHS officials will not pose as providers of emergency-related information for enforcement purposes.
"DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status," stated a DHS spokesperson.
The department emphasizes its mission is carried out without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations.
For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding these matters, individuals are encouraged to visit the "Make a Civil Rights Complaint" page on the DHS website.
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