Judge Questions DHS Plans to Rebuild Civil Rights Oversight Offices

A federal judge expressed concerns about potentially being misled regarding plans to rebuild three civil rights oversight offices within the Department of Homeland Security that experienced mass layoffs. During a court hearing, Judge Ana Reyes questioned DHS Ombudsman Ronald Sartini about the administration's commitment to restoring these offices to their congressionally mandated functions. While finding Sartini's testimony credible, the judge noted a possible "cynical view" that the administration might not intend to fully restore these oversight offices.