New York Attorney General Letitia James has led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to keep three offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operational. These offices are responsible for overseeing the agency, protecting civil rights, and assisting noncitizens with immigration matters. In March, DHS announced plans to close these offices: the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO). The closure would affect pending complaints and investigations without providing alternative avenues for redress.
"The Department of Homeland Security cannot singlehandedly shut down congressionally mandated offices that were created to ensure the agency abides by the law," stated Attorney General James. "Shutting down DHS’s civil rights office and other offices that provide immigration services is dangerous and unprecedented."
Despite congressional objection, DHS announced its intention to abolish these offices through reductions-in-force. Attorney General James argues that this action will impact residents in New York and other states who depend on these services. For instance, before its closure, the CIS Ombudsman assisted with employment authorization and naturalization cases for noncitizens and employers.
The attorneys general claim that without CIS Ombudsman services, individuals may face delays or denials in obtaining immigration benefits such as work visas, student visas, work authorizations, and green cards. They also argue that closing this office could be costly for states funding legal assistance programs.
The brief warns that without OIDO's oversight through site visits and inspections at detention facilities, detained individuals might face unsanitary conditions. Before its closure, OIDO conducted numerous site visits monthly to address systemic issues like low medical staffing levels.
Attorney General James urges restoring these offices to continue providing essential services to residents and employers while maintaining oversight over DHS programs.
Joining Attorney General James are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington and the District of Columbia.