The administration also claims the reduced number of staff members is sufficient to investigate civil rights complaints. Photograph: Jim Vondruska/Reuters“The gutting of watchdog offices is incredibly dangerous,” said Eric Welsh, an immigration specialist and partner at Reeves Immigration Law Group. Welsh previously worked as an attorney at the Department of Justice, providing legal advice to a California immigration court. In response, an unnamed spokesperson at the department sent the following statement: “DHS remains committed to civil rights protections and is streamlining oversight. Historically, people could submit civil rights complaints through an online portal, via email or by calling a telephone hotline.

Source: The Guardian March 08, 2026 14:03 UTC