Ombudsman for Immigration Detention
Michelle Brané was appointed in April 2024 as the Immigration Detention Ombudsman at the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to this, Michelle served as the Executive Director for the Department’s Family Reunification Task Force.
Michelle has more than 25 years’ experience working on immigration and human rights issues. She served as the Director of the Migrant Rights and Justice program at the Women’s Refugee Commission for almost 15 years, where she oversaw a team of advocates leading on groundbreaking issues such as the protection of unaccompanied children, application of the Prison Rape Elimination Standards to adults and minors in immigration custody, family detention and separation, and access to asylum at U.S. borders.
Michelle holds a BA from the University of Michigan, a JD from Georgetown University, and is admitted to the New York Bar.