As part of a broader reduction in force across the federal government, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had multiple oversight offices dismantled. Specifically, the DHS clarified that 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 all underwent reductions in staff and operations. The DHS argued these oversight offices were dismantled because they obstructed immigration enforcement efforts by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining the department’s efforts.
The two offices oversee the immigration operations of the DHS. This includes detention, by working with those detained who face issues with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to help resolve issues with those seeking immigration-related benefits. Despite the dismantling of the internal offices, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explained that while the DHS remains committed to the protection of civil liberties, the department must streamline immigration enforcement operations and remove roadblocks.
These offices mark the latest in a surge of terminations towards federal agencies made by the Trump administration, which began when the president took office on January 20th. Since then, multiple federal agencies have seen reductions in staff and funding. The CRCL and other two other agencies are the latest agencies to experience these cuts.
These cuts come as part of a second wave of terminations and layoffs that began on March 13th, 2025. Supporters of these measures argue that many federal agencies are bloated and inefficient, and that they waste taxpayer money that could help immigration enforcement efforts. Critics meanwhile state the dismantling of the DHS offices removes vital internal moderators that ensure the department respects the civil rights of immigrants and noncitizens.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
