During emergency situations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) collaborates with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to support affected communities. In response to the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon, California, DHS has issued a statement regarding safety and enforcement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have emphasized that emergency response sites 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."

In certain cases where requested by FEMA or local authorities, ICE and CBP may assist in search and rescue operations, air traffic de-confliction, and public safety missions. They provide emergency aid regardless of immigration status. DHS officials assure that they will not impersonate individuals providing emergency information as part of any enforcement activities.

The DHS is dedicated to ensuring access to shelter, aid, or other assistance during natural disasters or emergencies without regard to immigration status. Their mission is conducted without discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability or political affiliations.

For complaints related to civil rights issues in these matters with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, individuals are encouraged to visit their Make a Civil Rights Complaint page.