DHS official form to report possible rights violations during ICE raid

Individuals who believe their rights or civil liberties were violated during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation can now file a formal complaint with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency has established a specific form, DHS Form 3500, to process these grievances through its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL).

A notice published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2026, confirmed the renewal of this information collection process. This administrative procedure allows the CRCL to receive complaints regarding employees, programs, and activities across all DHS agencies, including ICE. The ACLU has previously raised concerns about ICE's procedures, highlighting the importance of such complaint mechanisms.

The DHS system is designed to capture reports of alleged irregularities related to immigration procedures, detentions, border checks, and other activities conducted by DHS components. The CRCL is authorized to review and investigate a wide range of potential violations linked to DHS programs and activities. This includes issues such as discrimination, retaliation, and due process concerns.

Complaints submitted via the form are initially assessed by the CRCL. Those falling within its jurisdiction are forwarded to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for a priority determination on whether to launch a formal investigation. If the OIG declines to intervene, the CRCL may proceed with its own review. The process involves coordination with the involved agencies, and the CRCL can issue recommendations to enhance the protection of civil rights and liberties.

Notably, the use of the complaint form is voluntary, and not all fields are mandatory. Submissions can be made anonymously through the federal government's official portal. The system allows users to describe events, attach documents, and provide additional information to aid in case evaluation. The collected information serves not only to investigate individual cases but also to identify patterns and systemic issues within DHS operations.