During emergency events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to address the needs of people in potentially affected areas. In these situations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) emphasize that sites providing emergency response and relief are designated as 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."
At the request of 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 aid to individuals irrespective of their immigration status. DHS officials clarify that they will not impersonate 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."
The department emphasizes its commitment to carrying out its mission without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, ethnicity, disability or political associations while complying with law and policy.
For those seeking information about filing a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties regarding these issues, DHS advises visiting their Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.
