WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, are raising alarms over reports that as part of its reduction in force efforts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may significantly reduce staffing in or eliminate its Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) Office. In a letter to Secretary Kristi Noem, the senators warn that these cuts would violate federal law and undermine DHS personnel’s ability to conduct their critical national security missions effectively while safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties.
“From the establishment of DHS, Congress’ intent was clear—given the Department’s impacts on the lives of everyone in the United States, including DHS’s own employees, it is essential that there be an Office responsible for oversight of how DHS’s work impacted civil rights and civil liberties, starting with policy development and continuing through implementation and oversight,” wrote the senators. “Not only does CRCL implement DHS’s equal employment opportunity and accessibility responsibilities, but it also sets policies, provides training, and oversees the implementation of processes related to interactions between the Department and the public where civil rights and liberties might be at risk. A few examples of this critical work include the provision of religious accommodations at TSA checkpoints, implementation of guard rails on use of biometrics in identity verification and protecting U.S. persons’ rights throughout DHS’s intelligence activities.”
“DHS is essential to the security of the American people. The CRCL Office allows DHS’s operators on the frontlines to carry out diverse missions—such as protecting our aviation systems and combatting the scourge of fentanyl—by ensuring operators have the best advice, guidance, and training,” the senators continued. “CRCL helps DHS accomplish its mission while abiding by the Constitution and laws of the United States. A decision to eliminate the CRCL office or make significant reductions in CRCL staff will jeopardize DHS’s ability to comply with statutory requirements and to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of the American people.”
The letter follows an executive order issued by President Trump last month, which directs federal agencies to prepare for large-scale workforce reductions. DHS is required by law to have a CRCL Officer, who heads the CRCL Office as it carries out the mission of safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties, ensuring accommodations and equal access, and protecting against discrimination in all DHS policies, plans, and operations. The law also requires that the Secretary provide the CRCL Officer with sufficient resources and personnel to carry out these responsibilities. Congress has also funded the Office every year since 2004. CRCL plays a crucial role in guiding policies and training frontline personnel to operate within constitutional and legal boundaries.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
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