Alejandro Mayorkas United States Secretary of Homeland Security | Official Website
During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support those in impacted areas.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have reminded the public that sites providing emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. "To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones."
Upon request from FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may assist in search and rescue operations, air traffic de-confliction, and public safety missions. They provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials will not pose as individuals offering 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 conducts its mission 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 on these matters, please visit our Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.
