In 2019, Inspector General Joseph Cuffari allegedly delayed a report on the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the southern border. Deputy Inspector General Jennifer Costello filed complaints to Congress and the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency regarding this delay. Subsequently, Cuffari initiated a third-party investigation into Costello and two colleagues, costing $1.4 million, which concluded they engaged in unprofessional behavior. Costello claimed this was retaliatory and was fired in June 2020. In July 2023, the Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General’s Office agreed to pay Costello a $1.17 million settlement, overturning her firing and listing her as having resigned. Cuffari continues to serve as Inspector General despite these events.
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