Rep. Underwood Questions CBP Commissioner on Revoked Policies for Vulnerable Detainees

Revoked Policies for Vulnerable Detainees

• ⚠️ Congresswoman Underwood expressed deep concern over a memo issued on May 5th that revoked four CBP policies designed to protect vulnerable individuals in custody.
• 💡 One of the revoked policies specifically addressed the processing of pregnant and postpartum non-citizens and infants, which provided basic care such as a place to sit or lie down, and extra juice or snacks.
• 📌 The justification for revoking this policy was stated as being "obsolete or misaligned with current agency guidance and immigration enforcement priorities."

CBP's Response and Justification

• 📊 Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores stated that with 20,000 people in custody daily, including those under bridges and in the desert, prioritizing care and processing for vulnerable individuals became necessary.
• 🎯 He emphasized that the priority of taking care of individuals in custody remains a priority, and with current custody numbers (500-800 individuals), they can operationalize and meet the needs of those in their care.
• 🗣️ Flores explained that the space limitations in facilities made it difficult to implement the previous policy, but they are still providing similar care as the numbers have decreased.

Call for Reinstatement of Standards

• 🤝 Congresswoman Underwood requested a commitment to immediately reinstate the policy or a new one that reflects current dynamics with lower encounter levels and higher standards for pregnant and postpartum moms.
• 🏥 She stressed that basic standards of care, like offering juice or a snack, are not optional and are crucial for a vulnerable population.
• 💰 Underwood indicated that Congress would be willing to find resources to properly care for pregnant moms, postpartum moms, children, and elders in CBP's care.
• 🗣️ She urged the agency to reinstate this type of policy, emphasizing its urgency.