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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, is a federal law that gives the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), except to the extent the records are protected from disclosure by one or more of FOIA’s exemptions or exclusions.

ICE FOIA Mission

The ICE FOIA Office is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust by providing access to ICE records. We process requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, and all applicable regulations. We apply exemptions to protect sensitive and personal information as required by law. Through these efforts, the ICE FOIA Office supports informed public understanding of ICE’s operations while safeguarding security, privacy, and the integrity of law enforcement activities.

Publicly Available Records

ICE proactively posts hundreds of documents online, including statistics, inspection reports, contracts, and other frequently requested documents.

ICE FOIA Library Detainee Death Reports 287(g) Agreements Immigration Statistics

Several federal agencies also proactively post publicly available records that may include ICE-related or other immigration-related information.

DHS FOIA Library DHS FOIA Reports CBP Reading Room USCIS Reading Room Privacy Impact Assessments System of Records Notices

Contact ICE FOIA

If you have any questions about the ICE Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program, you may contact the ICE FOIA Public Liaison at ICEFOIAPublicLiaison@ice.dhs.gov or (202) 732-2159.

Administrative Appeals

You may file an administrative appeal of any adverse determinations in response to your FOIA request. For example, if you believe that:

  • ICE withheld information that does not fall under an exemption.
  • ICE did not perform an adequate search.
  • ICE did not produce your records within the statutory timeframe.
  • ICE inappropriately denied your request for expedited processing.

Your appeal must be within 90 days of ICE’s adverse determination letter. You may submit your appeal by accessing your request through the SecureRelease portal (preferred), or by sending your appeal in writing to:

Office of the Principal Legal Advisor
Government Information Law Division
500 12th Street SW, Stop 5900 
Washington, DC 20536-5900

Your envelope and letter should be marked “FOIA Appeal.” Your appeal determination letter will advise you of your rights to seek judicial review.

Judicial Review

You may also file a lawsuit in federal district court if you believe that ICE’s determination on your FOIA request was improper. You may file (1) where you reside, (2) where you have your principal place of business (if any), (3) in the District of Columbia, or (4) where the records are located, if they are not located in the District of Columbia.

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