President Donald Trump has dismissed nearly the entire civil rights division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to reports from The New York Times.
The move has sparked concerns about the future of civil rights enforcement within the agency responsible for protecting the nation.
The firings took place at the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which oversees complaints of discrimination, abuse, and violations of constitutional rights by government agencies, including immigration authorities and law enforcement. The decision has raised questions about the administration’s stance on civil rights protections.
This action follows broader efforts by Trump to reshape federal agencies to align with his policies. Critics argue that removing key personnel from the civil rights office could weaken oversight and accountability. Supporters, however, claim it is part of a broader restructuring to streamline government functions.
The impact of the shake-up remains unclear, but legal experts and advocacy groups worry that without a strong civil rights division, complaints of mistreatment and discrimination may go unaddressed. This could particularly affect immigrant communities and minority groups who rely on the office for protection.
As the administration moves forward, many are watching closely to see if new appointments will be made or if the office will remain weakened. The decision could shape the agency’s approach to civil rights enforcement for years to come.