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Help for problems related to conditions of detention
Warning: Some of this information may be outdated due to the 2025 executive orders. Please consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you have questions about your situation. You can also read the President’s executive orders.
The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) is an independent office that is separate from Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The mission of OIDO is to ensure humane treatment and safe living conditions for all individuals in U.S. immigration custody and detention. OIDO employs trained case managers, inspectors, and auditors who work to resolve issues and improve conditions for anyone in immigration custody or detention.
What issues can OIDO help me with?
If you experienced poor treatment or conditions while in immigration detention or custody, you can report this to OIDO. You can report any issues including:
- Physical, mental, or emotional abuse
- Inadequate food or medical treatment
- Poor or unsafe living conditions
You can also ask OIDO about any other issues you experience while in immigration custody or detention that you believe violate humane standards.
OIDO only reviews complaints related to the conditions of immigration detention. It does not address requests to reconsider an alien’s detention, the reasons for detention, the denial of a request for release from detention (including parole), or the standards for release.
Who can file an OIDO complaint?
- A current or former detainee
- A representative of a current or former detainee - this can include a friend, family member, acquaintance, attorney, or accredited representative. This FAQ explains the necessary paperwork to file on someone else’s behalf.
| Note: complaints can be submitted anonymously and/or on behalf of an anonymous detainee |
OIDO Complaints are Confidential
OIDO will not share your information unless you agree to it. However, to fully investigate a concern, information may need to be shared with ICE, CBP, and/or facility staff. In those cases, OIDO will let you know they need to share information in order to investigate, and will give you the opportunity to decide if you want to go ahead with the complaint.
Complaints can be filed anytime after release from detention. They do not have to be filed while you are still in detention.
| Caution: As time passes, it becomes harder for OIDO to investigate and collect information. The help OIDO can offer may also be limited if you are no longer detained. |
Talking to OIDO or filing a complaint will not affect your immigration case or detention status.
How do I request OIDO’s help?
You can submit your request online in English or Spanish.
There’s a downloadable form available in multiple languages as well. The form may be sent to OIDO by email or mail:
| 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) |
| Note: Filing a complaint in a language other than English or Spanish may delay the case. Urgent issues should be submitted in English, when possible. |
| Note: Forms sent by email will be processed more quickly than those sent by mail. |
OIDO also accepts in-person complaints from detainees at some ICE and CBP facilities. In Wisconsin, the only facility OIDO case managers regularly visit is the Dodge County Jail.
Find updated information about which facilities accept in-person complaints using this map.
I wasn’t allowed to visit my family member. Can OIDO help?
DHS’s ICE, CBP, and facility management may limit visitation for health or safety reasons. However, if visitation is currently allowed in the facility generally and your family member is not permitted visitors, you can send OIDO your concern.
My family member isn’t being provided the right meal for her religion. Can OIDO help?
Yes. OIDO reviews the conditions of immigration detention, which includes how people are treated by staff and other detainees, as well as physical and mental health care, food service, recreation, legal access, and environmental health and safety. This also includes issues related to religiously appropriate meals, practices, and property.
Can you help me or my family member get released from immigration detention?
No. We focus on the conditions of immigration detention and not on the question of whether someone should be detained.
I am filing on behalf of a detainee. What documents do I need to provide so OIDO can communicate with me about the complaint?
An attorney or accredited representative will need to submit a signed Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative to receive detailed updates regarding the case.
Anyone who is not an attorney or accredited representative will need to submit a signed Privacy Waiver Authorizing Disclosure to a Third Party.
Will OIDO let me know the outcome of my complaint?
Yes, you will receive a response indicating the outcome of your complaint.
| Note: Details may be limited due to privacy restrictions. If OIDO has not received consent from the detainee to share information with you, we will look into the complaint and may communicate with the detainee, but we will not share any details with you. |
Can I follow up about a closed case?
At this time, there is no appeal process within OIDO. You can choose to resubmit your complaint to OIDO if you do not agree with the complaint outcome or if the condition continues.
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