Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If you are searching for someone who may have crossed into the United States, U. When CBP encounters individuals and families along the border between ports of entry, they are transported to a U. Border Patrol station or other CBP processing facility, where they are identified, and undergo an initial health screening.
CBP screens and vets individuals using a range of criteria and methods, including the collection of biometric and biographic information to prevent anyone known to pose a threat from entering the country.
When someone enters CBP custody, they are held in safe, secure, and clean facilities with appropriate conditions. They are provided basic hygiene items, mats, restrooms, drinking water, and regular meals. They are advised of their right to consular access in a language or manner they understand.
Those referred for immigration proceedings are provided with a list of pro bono legal service providers and their contact information. Every effort is made to promptly transfer, transport, process, release, or repatriate migrants as appropriate and operationally feasible. Generally, CBP tries not to hold individuals in custody for longer than 72 hours. Family units usually remain together. For the safety and security of all persons in custody, unaccompanied children are separated from unrelated adults.
Many CBP facilities along the southwest border, including soft-sided facilities, provide humanitarian services to those in CBP custody such as laundry, meals, childcare for unaccompanied children, and medical support.
