World Immigration News

Homeland Security makes cuts to civil rights and immigration oversight offices

Release Date: 2025-03-21
Media: npr
Summary: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is cutting jobs in oversight divisions focused on civil rights, part of a broader reduction in force across the federal government. Affected offices include the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated these offices have hindered immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic obstacles and undermining the department’s mission.

These offices provided oversight for immigration-related issues, including detainee rights and USCIS matters. DHS emphasized that these cuts are necessary to streamline operations and prioritize immigration enforcement.

This follows a previous round of cuts in February affecting other areas of DHS, such as cybersecurity and disaster response. Democratic senators have expressed concern about the cuts, especially to CRCL, arguing that it could undermine DHS’s ability to meet statutory requirements and protect civil rights.
Tags: USA

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