Unaccompanied "aliens"

The Flores v. Reno Settlement Agreement governs the policy for the treatment of unaccompanied alien children in federal custody. Unaccompanied alien children are minors less than 18 years old who arrive in the United States without a parent or legal guardian and are in the temporary custody of federal authorities because of their immigration status.

The Department of Homeland Security is bound by the Flores v. Reno Settlement Agreement, which includes requirements that immigration officials detaining minors provide (1) food and drinking water, (2) medical assistance in the event of emergencies, (3) toilets and sinks, (4) adequate temperature control and ventilation, (5) adequate supervision to protect minors from others, and (6) separation from unrelated adults whenever possible.

Customs and Border Protection is one of the Department of Homeland Security's primary immigration enforcement agencies for handling unaccompanied children.

Customs and Border Protection personnel apprehend, process, and detain unaccompanied alien children intercepted along the borders and at ports of entry for attempting to enter the United States illegally.

Based on our site visits to 30 Border Patrol stations and ports of entry, select document reviews, and independent observations, we concluded that Customs and Border Protection was in compliance with the general provisions of the Flores v. Reno Settlement Agreement.

Although we did not identify any significant violations of the agreement, we are recommending that the agency:


(1) evaluate its food-purchasing and contracting methods to ensure efficient use of resources;

(2) ensure that detainees are informed of the safety of drinking water provided in hold rooms;

(3) determine whether unaccompanied alien children are injured or require medical attention;

(4) document medical care provided;

(5) ensure that detention facilities maintain sufficient inventories of medical supplies;

(6) ensure that toilets and sinks are routinely inspected and work properly;

(7) verify that all required personnel complete the mandatory annual refresher Flores v. Reno Settlement Agreement training; and

(8) accurately and consistently document required information pertaining to unaccompanied alien children.


See Full Report.