Holding facility responds to surge in unaccompanied migrant children, family units in South Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently opened a temporary holding facility near the Donna-Rio International Bridge as a response to the recent surge in unaccompanied migrant children and family units arriving in South Texas.

The facility is located approximately 16 miles east of Hidalgo, TX and can hold up to 500 people. It will remain in place pending any changes in the volume of people arriving at ports of entry or crossing the border between ports in the area prior to their transfer to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing.

“This effort is designed to minimize the impact to border security operations while fulfilling our humanitarian efforts,” Manuel Padilla, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, said. “We will work closely with all our partner agencies to maintain efficient operations.”

Upon completion of processing at the facility, CBP will transfer illegal migrants to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Refugee Resettlement or ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Due to the sheer amount of migrants arriving, some individuals may have to stay in CBP holding for up to 72 hours.

“CBP officers and agents remain committed to upholding our border security mission and enforcing our immigration laws while treating those with whom we come in contact with the highest degree of professionalism, dignity and respect,” David P. Higgerson, director of field operations for the Laredo Field Office, said.