Court Forces DHS to Preserve Immigrant Rights Offices

Policy reversal follows court order and lawsuit over alleged civil rights violations in immigration enforcement.

WASHINGTON — On Thursday, DHS reversed plans to eliminate three oversight offices tasked with investigating civil rights complaints and assisting immigrants, following mounting legal pressure and a federal court hearing.

In updated statements on its website, DHS confirmed it will maintain the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, and the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. All three had faced closure earlier this year under a directive from Secretary Kristi Noem, drawing fierce criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers.

The announcement came shortly after a U.S. district court judge ordered the agency to publicly clarify its position during proceedings in a lawsuit challenging the offices' planned dismantling.