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Requesting Assistance from the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO)

Our online Case Intake Portal, myOIDO, is now available nationwide for more than 500 locations. Learn more about myOIDO.

Recently released individuals, or representatives, families, and other advocates for people who are currently detained, can request OIDO’s assistance. The Office will examine the issues and address the matter to the best of our ability.

  • OIDO can assist with allegations of:
    • Misconduct,
    • Excessive force,
    • Violation of an individual detainee’s rights, and/or
    • Violations of law, standards of professional conduct, contract terms, or policy related to immigration detention.
  • The alleged incident must have occurred while in DHS immigration detention and been committed by:
    • DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) staff or contractors.

If your situation does not meet these criteria, or to view a list of other DHS avenues for providing feedback or filing a complaint, visit the “Provide Feedback” or “Make Complaints to DHS” webpages.

OIDO reviews complaints related to the conditions of immigration detention. It does not address requests to reconsider an individual’s detention, the reasons for detention, the denial of a request for release from immigration detention (including parole), or the standards for considering release.

OIDO’s portal for case submission—myOIDO—is now available for cases related to more than 500 ICE and CBP locations nationwide. To submit a case, individuals can complete the new electronic Case Intake Form via myOIDO, though the paper Case Intake Form can still be submitted if preferred.

  • A current or former detainee who is seeking assistance regarding something that occurred, or is occurring, while in immigration detention. 
  • An individual submitting on behalf of a current or former detainee. This may include a family member or a legal representative. 
    • Attorneys and accredited representatives must complete and submit a signed Form G-28Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative to receive updates and case specific information from OIDO.
    • Case submitters who are not attorneys or accredited representatives must complete and submit a signed ICE Form 60-001Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party, to receive updates and case information from OIDO.
  • An individual submitting an anonymous concern.
  • In addition to accepting the paper Case Intake Form, OIDO now has an electronic filing portal called myOIDO.  The portal is now available for complaints at any ICE or CBP facility nationwide. We encourage submitters to utilize myOIDO, though you may still utilize the paper Case Intake Form if preferred.

  • Type or print legibly in black or blue ink.
  • If extra space is needed, you may attach additional pages to the OIDO Case Intake Form.
  • For questions that do not apply, please write “N/A.”
  • Please attach copies of any documents or information that will help OIDO review the case. Do not send original documents.
  • The OIDO Case Intake Form is not required to submit a case to OIDO, and it is not required that all fields be completed. However, a properly completed form ensures that OIDO receives the necessary information to assist with a case. If you do not use the form, or do not complete all fields, you may experience a delay in the processing of your case.
  • There is no fee for submitting a request to OIDO.

Where to submit the OIDO Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405):

Please submit your completed, signed, and dated OIDO Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405), including any supporting documentation, to the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman by one of the following means:

  • E-Mail the OIDO Case Intake Form as an attachment to: DetentionOmbudsman@hq.dhs.gov
  • U.S. mail and/or expedited delivery services:
    • Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) 
      Mail Stop 0134 
      Department of Homeland Security 
      Washington, DC 20528-0134 
      ATTN: OIDO Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405) 

Information to Note:

Due to security measures with the U.S. Government mail system, cases mailed (even those sent by expedited delivery services) may be delayed.

Only OIDO Case Intake Forms and case-related materials should be sent to: DetentionOmbudsman@hq.dhs.gov.  For all other inquiries, please contact: OIDO_Outreach@hq.dhs.gov.

Please ensure you provide the following documents to submit a case:

  • A completed online form via myOIDO or a paper OIDO Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405).
  • Copies of supporting documentation (if applicable).
  • Form G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, if an attorney or accredited representative.
  • ICE Form 60-001 Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party, if a family member, friend, or other case submitter.

  • Violations of law, standards of professional conduct, detention standards, or policies related to immigration detention. 
  • Potential misconduct by DHS personnel or contractors.
  • Use of excessive force by DHS personnel or contractors. 
  • Other concerns regarding conditions within immigration detention facilities.
  • Violations of a detainee’s rights.

  • Communicate with anyone but a detainee or his or her representatives about a case without permission from the detainee.
  • Review removal cases, requests for bond or parole, requests for release, or any other issues related to admission or removal.
  • Review the reason an individual is currently detained or was previously detained.
  • Provide legal advice.

After submitting your request using the myOIDO portal or the paper OIDO Case Intake Form (DHS Form 405) via email or postal mail, you will receive a confirmation message that includes your OIDO case number (if a valid email address was provided).  OIDO will examine the case and address it as appropriate.

Last Updated: 07/27/2023
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