DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During Severe Weather and Recovery Efforts in Alabama, California, and Georgia

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with its federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners to respond to the needs of the areas that may be impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia as well as the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in California.

In light of these circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones.

At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities.

DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of this severe weather is able to do so regardless of their immigration status. DHS carries out its mission without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, or political associations, and in compliance with law and policy.