During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support individuals in impacted areas.
In such circumstances, 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 do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as evacuation routes, shelters, distribution sites for emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or family reunification.
At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may assist with search and rescue operations, air traffic de-confliction, and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance regardless of an individual's immigration status. DHS officials do not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.
"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."
DHS operates without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations, in compliance with law and policy.
For information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.
