Just-Released Customs and Border Protection Standards Still Lack Accountability

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its long-awaited, new National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention and Search (TEDS), which govern the transfer of individuals in CBP custody, procedures for handling such individuals’ belongings, conditions in CBP detention facilities, and personal searches. 

The following is a statement from Beth Werlin, Policy Director at the American Immigration Council:

“While we commend CBP for publicly releasing its long-awaited TEDS standards, the Council has significant concerns regarding the broad discretion given to CBP officers and agents. In addition, the standards do not fix the long-standing lack of oversight and independent monitoring mechanisms, which are desperately needed to promote greater accountability on the part of the nation’s largest law enforcement agency. The Council will pay close attention to CBP’s implementation of TEDS.”

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For press inquiries, contact Wendy Feliz at [email protected] or 202-507-7524.