Request Records Through the Freedom of Information Act

Use our online FOIA system to request:

• Your own records of international travel to/from the U.S., apprehensions/detentions by Border Patrol, and Secondary inspections at Ports of Entry;

• Another person's records (if a signed consent is provided/uploaded) for international travel to/from the U.S., apprehensions/ detentions by Border Patrol, and Secondary inspections at Ports of Entry; or

• Agency Information such as policies, data, communications, etc.

After you create a FOIAonline account you can submit a FOIA request directly to CBP. When submitting a FOIA request on records that pertain to you, please provide your full name, address, and date of birth. If you are requesting records on behalf of someone else, you need a signed G-28 form (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative), or some other form of signed consent that will allow CBP to release the records to a 3rd party. Once your request is submitted you will receive an acknowledgment and a FOIA tracking number. After your FOIA request is acknowledged you can track the status of your request at any time. Please note that the FOIA process is not intended to be a mechanism for asking questions of CBP. FOIA requests are intended to provide access to CBP records.

To Receive Your Records as Efficiently As Possible

• Visit the CBP Newsroom to confirm we have not already posted the records you need.

• Request only the records you need, as we can return precise requests faster.

• Make your request with the right agency by reviewing the sections below. Records contained in the A-file are processed by USCIS.

Common FOIA Requests

Some records may not be available through the CBP FOIA Office. The table below lists common FOIA requests and the agency/program office that can respond to these requests.

Accessibility

The records received from your FOIA request may not be fully accessible under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Upon request of accessibility assistance, you will be contacted by a representative from our office to address your request for assistance. When requesting this assistance, please indicate your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and the FOIA Case Number in question. Send the request to the FOIA mailbox at cbpfoia508requests@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line "FOIA Disability Accommodations" or call 202-325-0150 (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339 or https://www.federalip.us/).