HOUSTON — An immigration agent is suing the U.S. secretary of homeland security, alleging age and racial discrimination.
Patrice Washington filed a lawsuit July 22 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Jeh Johnson, secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
According to the complaint, Washington, a black woman who is older than 40, was subjected to different and discriminatory treatment in the terms and conditions of her employment and has been denied employment, promotions, and raises. The suit says the defendant's actions caused Washington to suffer mental and emotional distress and a damaged reputation.
The plaintiff alleges Johnson willfully and intentionally discriminated against Washington to prevent her promotion to a higher position, created a hostile work environment and failed to enforce discrimination and harassment policies.
Washington seeks a trial by jury, compensatory damages, attorney fees, costs of suit and all other relief to which she is justly entitled. She is represented by attorney Chukwudi Egbuonu of Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case number 4:16-cv-02184