Allegations that the Department of Homeland Security has obstructed the work of its Inspector General raise serious concerns. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General reportedly outlined these allegations in a letter to Congress, an extraordinary step that underscores the gravity of the situation.

The Department of Homeland Security’s threats to shut down audits and investigations by its Office of Inspector General are a shot across the bow to inspector general independence. Congress and the American people should be deeply alarmed by these efforts to interfere with important independent oversight.