Accountability Resources
Learn how to file complaints, access oversight bodies, and support systemic accountability for immigration enforcement misconduct.
Important Note
Filing a complaint is separate from pursuing legal action. You can do both. Complaints help create official records and may trigger investigations, but they don't guarantee outcomes. Consider consulting an attorney for serious matters.
How to File a Complaint
Document the Incident
Gather Evidence
Collect any photos, videos, medical records, official documents, or other evidence. Save copies in multiple places.
Choose Where to File
Decide which oversight body is most appropriate based on the type of misconduct. You can file with multiple agencies.
Submit Your Complaint
File online, by phone, or by mail. Keep copies of everything you submit and note confirmation numbers.
Follow Up
Track your complaint status. If you don't hear back within the expected timeframe, follow up in writing.
DHS Oversight Bodies
These are the official channels for reporting misconduct by ICE, CBP, and other DHS personnel. Each has different jurisdiction and focus.
DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)
Independent office that investigates allegations of criminal, civil, and administrative misconduct by DHS employees, including ICE and CBP.
What to Report:
- Criminal misconduct
- Fraud
- Abuse of authority
- Gross mismanagement
- Waste of funds
Expected Response: Varies; serious allegations prioritized
DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)
Reviews complaints alleging violations of civil rights and civil liberties by DHS personnel.
What to Report:
- Racial/ethnic profiling
- Discrimination
- Inappropriate use of force
- Conditions of detention
- Due process violations
Expected Response: Acknowledgment within 30 days
ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)
Investigates allegations of misconduct by ICE employees and ensures adherence to professional standards.
What to Report:
- Employee misconduct
- Policy violations
- Unprofessional behavior
- Abuse of authority
Expected Response: Varies by case complexity
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility
Investigates allegations of misconduct by CBP employees including Border Patrol agents.
What to Report:
- Use of force incidents
- Corruption
- Policy violations
- Unprofessional conduct
Expected Response: Varies by case complexity
External Oversight & Courts
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Congressional watchdog that audits federal agencies and investigates how taxpayer money is spent.
Focus: Systemic issues, policy effectiveness, waste/fraud
Visit WebsiteCongressional Oversight Committees
House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over DHS conduct hearings and investigations.
Focus: Policy oversight, agency accountability
Visit WebsiteFederal Courts
Civil lawsuits can create public records and establish precedent for accountability.
Focus: Individual cases, damages, injunctive relief
Visit WebsitePublic Accountability Databases
These databases contain public records that can help research patterns of misconduct and case outcomes.
National Decertification Index (NDI)
Database of law enforcement officers who have been decertified for misconduct. Maintained by IADLEST.
Coverage: State and local officers (federal not included)
Access: Law enforcement agencies only
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Federal court records including lawsuits against federal agencies and officers.
Coverage: All federal court cases
Access: Public (small fee per page)
Court Listener
Free database of court opinions and oral arguments from federal and state courts.
Coverage: Federal appellate courts, some district courts
Access: Free public access
TRAC Immigration
Research center tracking immigration enforcement data, including case outcomes.
Coverage: Immigration court and enforcement statistics
Access: Free public access
Advocacy Organizations
These organizations work on systemic accountability through litigation, policy advocacy, and public education.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Litigates civil rights cases and advocates for police accountability reforms.
Focus: Litigation, policy advocacy, public education
Visit WebsiteHuman Rights Watch
Documents human rights abuses and advocates for accountability.
Focus: Documentation, reporting, advocacy
Visit WebsiteNational Immigration Project
Works to defend immigrants' rights through litigation and advocacy.
Focus: Impact litigation, legal training
Visit WebsiteDetention Watch Network
Coalition working to end immigration detention and advocate for accountability.
Focus: Detention conditions, policy reform
Visit WebsiteSouthern Poverty Law Center
Monitors hate groups and litigates civil rights cases including immigration.
Focus: Litigation, monitoring, advocacy
Visit WebsiteWhy Accountability Matters
Creates Official Records
Complaints create documentation that can reveal patterns of misconduct, even if individual complaints don't result in discipline.
Triggers Investigations
Oversight bodies may investigate serious allegations, which can lead to policy changes, discipline, or referrals for prosecution.
Supports Systemic Change
Aggregate complaint data informs policy advocacy, congressional oversight, and litigation challenging systemic problems.