ICE recognizes International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM/C

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) joins U.S. and foreign government partners, NGOs and local communities on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) to call for eradication of the practice.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM/C is an opportunity to reflect on the victims who have suffered from FGM/C, including many women and girls who have died or suffered lifelong health complications from the practice, and to renew our commitment to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and communities by eliminating the practice. 

FGM/C is a federal crime and any involvement in committing FGM/C is a serious human rights violation which may result in imprisonment and potential removal from the United States.  Individuals suspected of FGM/C, including sending girls overseas to be cut, may be investigated by the ICE Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and prosecuted accordingly.

Anyone who has information about an individual who is suspected of assisting FGM/C is urged to call the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423 or to complete this online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock and tips may be provided anonymously.

For more information on the ICE Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit, visit their website.

For more information about the practice of FGM/C, view this fact sheet from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) or visit the United Nations’ Zero Tolerance Day website.