ICE Non-Retaliation Policy Statement

The Office of the National Ombudsman of the U.S. Small Business Administration has asked all Federal agencies to make clear that, if a small business requests Ombudsman assistance on a matter or otherwise wishes to critique an agency’s actions, the agency will not retaliate in response.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is committed to upholding standards of fair regulatory enforcement practices, where small businesses and others are free to question, raise concerns, or otherwise comment on ICE actions or policies without fear of retaliation.  ICE will thoroughly investigate any allegations of retaliation and take appropriate corrective action.  However, while ICE will investigate any allegation of retaliation, a complaint to the Ombudsman will not stop or delay investigation and legal or administrative proceedings as part of the Agency’s ongoing responsibility to enforce Federal laws under its jurisdiction.

Small entities regulated by ICE may direct comments about regulatory compliance actions to the National Ombudsman’s office via the Internet (www.sba.gov/ombudsman); email (Ombudsman@sba.gov); telephone (1-888-REG-FAIR); or mail (SBA Office of the National Ombudsman, 409 Third St., SW, Washington, DC 20416).