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Immigration Action

CBP's Updated Enforcement and Removal Policies

On November 20, 2014, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced new immigration enforcement priorities and guidance on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in a memorandum entitled Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants. DHS agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will apply these enforcement and removal priorities when determining whether to remove an alien from the United States.  Consistent with the Secretary’s direction, CBP will continue to prioritize threats to national security, public safety, and border security.  CBP is updating its procedures and training to implement the new priorities.

The following sections provide additional information that may be helpful: 

For individuals in CBP custody

  • An individual encountered by CBP at a Port of Entry or near the U.S. border may be subject to additional processing, including, for example, to determine identity and immigration status.  Such additional processing may require CBP to temporarily hold an individual at a CBP Port of Entry or Border Patrol Station. 
  • If you (or a family member) were apprehended and processed by a CBP officer or Border Patrol agent and then placed into removal proceedings and you believe that you do not fall within the DHS enforcement priorities, please tell us about your experience by contacting the CBP INFO Center at:

General Inquiries: 877-227-5511

International Callers: 202-325-8000

TDD: 866-880-6582

Hours of Operations: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

For individuals in immigration proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review

  • If your administrative proceedings are pending before an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals, and you believe that you do not fall within the DHS enforcement priorities, you should contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  If you wish ICE to review your case, please visit ICE’s website for information on how to submit such a request to the ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA).

For individuals with removal orders who are scheduled for removal and are not in CBP custody

  • If you have been ordered removed and you believe that you do not fall within the DHS enforcement priorities, you should contact the ICE Enforcement and Removal Office (ERO) Detention Reporting and Information Line, toll-free, at 1-888-351-4024 to submit a request for review of your case. 

For individuals who wish to file a complaint regarding a CBP removal encounter

  • Individuals wishing to submit a formal complaint pertaining to an encounter with a CBP officer or Border Patrol agent can contact the CBP INFO Center at 877-227-5511.
Last Modified: Mar 25, 2019