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Civil Rights and Civil Liberties FAQs

Civil rights and civil liberties are the rights enumerated in the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, and regulations, including freedom from discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, or genetic information, freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, due process of law, appropriate conditions of confinement, and protection from excessive force, unreasonable searches and seizures, and unlawful intrusions into personal privacy.

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) reviews and investigates civil rights and civil liberties complaints filed by the public regarding DHS policies and activities. CRCL reviews and assesses allegations involving a range of alleged civil rights and civil liberties abuses, such as:

  • Discrimination based on religion, age, disability, or genetic information;
  • Violation of rights while in immigration detention or as a subject of immigration enforcement;
  • Discrimination or inappropriate questioning related to entry into the United States;
  • Violation of due process rights, such as the right to timely notice of charges or access to a lawyer;
  • Violation of confidentiality provisions of the Violence Against Women Act;
  • Physical abuse or any other type of abuse;
  • Denial of meaningful access to DHS or DHS-supported programs, activities, or services due to limited English proficiency; and
  • Any other civil rights, civil liberties, or human rights violation related to a Department program or activity, including allegations of discrimination by an organization or program that receives financial assistance from DHS.

Persons who wish to file a civil rights or civil liberties complaint with CBP may do so by:

Last Modified: Mar 24, 2025