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Know Your Rights: Official Hotlines to Report ICE or DHS Abuse

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This list provides verified contact information and a complaint template for reporting misconduct, abuse, or civil rights violations involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel.

Its purpose is to help individuals, witnesses, and advocates document incidents accurately and submit them through official oversight channels—such as the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

Using these channels ensures that allegations are reviewed by the appropriate authorities and that evidence is preserved for lawful investigation and accountability.

Send copies of Reports To These Advocacy Groups As Well

Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other national immigrant-rights advocacy groups play a key role in documenting and collecting reports of alleged misconduct by law-enforcement personnel, including those from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) system.

The ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project works in courts, legislatures and communities to defend civil liberties, and invites individuals to file reports of civil-rights violations.

Another group, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG), has more than 50 years of experience providing legal strategies and support to challenge unlawful immigration enforcement.


If you are considering submitting information to such groups in addition to filing with official oversight channels, here are key contact details:

  • ACLU: For national intake, you can file online via their civil liberties complaint form: American Civil Liberties Union You may also call their national office at (212) 549-2500 or toll-free at (888) 567-ACLU.
  • NIPNLG: Learn about their work and contact options via their website: National Immigration Project

These organizations can help you understand your rights, advise on documentation and evidence, and explore possible legal or advocacy pathways.

Quick contacts (primary complaint routes)

DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) — Hotline (fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct)

ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) — misconduct by ICE employees or contractors

DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) — civil rights or civil liberties violations by DHS components

  • File online or email the Compliance Branch: CRCLCompliance@hq.dhs.gov. Phone local: 202-401-1474, toll free: 1-866-644-8360. Fax: 202-401-4708. Postal address and submission instructions on the DHS CRCL complaint pages and form.

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division — federal civil rights violations

  • Online reporting and guidance for filing civil rights complaints with the Civil Rights Division. Use the Division’s intake/contact page to submit reports or get referral guidance.

Important filing tips

  • Provide dates, times, locations, and as much identifying information as you lawfully have for personnel or vehicles, for example badge numbers, agency unit, vehicle license plates, or vehicle descriptions. Each agency’s intake form will let you attach photos and documents.
  • Preserve original files and metadata for photos or videos; keep copies. Do not publicly post personally identifiable information of bystanders or other private individuals. CRCL and OIG accept attachments and recommend supporting documents.
  • If the situation involves potential criminal conduct, consider contacting local law enforcement and your local U.S. Attorney’s Office, and consult a lawyer or an advocacy group for help submitting evidence to prosecutors. DOJ Civil Rights may refer or accept certain matters.

Short complaint template

Use this for DHS OIG, ICE OPR, CRCL, or DOJ Civil Rights webforms or emails. Keep it factual and concise, attach copies of evidence, and include your contact info if you are willing to be contacted.

Subject: Complaint regarding alleged misconduct by ICE employee(s) on [Date]

Complainant contact:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
Mailing address (optional):

Allegation summary (one sentence):
On [date] at about [time], ICE employee(s) allegedly [brief description of misconduct — for example, used excessive force, unlawfully detained a person, conducted improper search, violated civil rights].

Detailed description (who, what, where, when):

  1. Location: [exact address, intersection, facility name]
  2. Date and time: [mm/dd/yyyy, approximate time]
  3. Agency and unit if known: [e.g., ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, local field office]
  4. Description of incident: [chronological, factual account. List actions observed, words spoken, and any commands or orders given]
  5. Identifying details: [names, badge numbers, vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, uniform markings, any visible agency patches]
  6. Witnesses: [names, phone/email if you have permission to share]
  7. Evidence attached: [photo1.jpg, video1.mp4, medical record.pdf, timestamps, etc.]
  8. Previously reported to: [local police, facility supervisor, field office — include dates and report numbers if available]

Requested action:
Please investigate this allegation, preserve any body camera or facility video, and advise me of the outcome or next steps. I am willing to cooperate and provide additional information if needed.

Signature:
[Your full name]
[Date]

Or download this PDF template.

This article is not meant to provide legal guidance. It is for informational purposes only.

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Author

  • Robin Jaffin headshot circle

    Robin Jaffin is a strategic communicator and entrepreneur dedicated to impactful storytelling, environmental advocacy, and women's empowerment. As Co-Founder of The Queen Zone™, Robin amplifies women's diverse experiences through engaging multimedia content across global platforms. Additionally, Robin co-founded FODMAP Everyday®, an internationally recognized resource improving lives through evidence-based health and wellness support for those managing IBS. With nearly two decades at Verité, Robin led groundbreaking initiatives promoting human rights in global supply chains.

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