Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties is elemental to all the work we do at DHS. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports the Department's mission to secure the nation while preserving individual liberty, fairness, and equality under the law.

NOTICE:

We have been notified by several individuals about scam phone calls that appear to come from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Hotline (CRCL), which is 202-401-1474. The callers claim to be from an office within DHS and make false statements to gather personal information. In some instances these callers have been hostile and threaten to call the police if the individuals contacted do not comply. These calls are not legitimate. If you receive a call from this number, do not answer it, and do not provide any information if you do. You can report any incidents to your local law enforcement office.

Please know that calls into our hotline remain unaffected and that we continue to receive and process information.

Overview

The Department of Homeland Security integrates civil rights and civil liberties protections into all department activities.
Results and Reports

DHS has achieved significant results for civil rights and civil liberties by providing proactive support for integration of protection into all DHS activities and policies.
Make a Civil Rights Complaint

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties reviews and investigates civil rights and civil liberties complaints made by the public regarding DHS policies and activities.
Transparency in Civil Rights Investigations

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties strives to maintain transparency in its civil rights investigations processes.
Resources for Recipients of DHS Financial Assistance

Recipients of federal financial assistance from DHS are required to administer their programs and activities in accordance with Federal civil rights authorities and DHS implementing regulations prohibiting discrimination.
DHS Faith-Based Guidance

DHS, along with eight other Federal agencies, ensures religious liberty protections for beneficiaries of federally funded social service programs, while also protecting the ability of religious providers to compete for government funds on the same basis as any other eligible organization.
Disability Access

DHS is committed to strengthening and supporting full inclusion and equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in its programs and activities.
Civil Rights in Emergencies and Disasters

The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports individual and community resilience to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other emergencies. Through guidance, planning and coordination, CRCL works to ensure that civil rights and civil liberties are integrated into disaster-related policies and procedures.
Language Access

DHS recognizes the importance of being able to communicate effectively with individuals, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), across our many missions and functions.
Law and Policy

Read about the legal authorities of the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
CRCL Privacy Protections

To ensure that privacy considerations and protections are incorporated, system operated by the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties have been evaluated by the DHS Privacy Office.