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CBP Directive on Family Unity Policy

This policy provides guidance for CBP agents and officers in deciding whether to separate a minor child from a parent(s) or legal guardian(s), with the goal of ensuring consistent, transparent, and well-documented decision-making. This policy is issued consistent with the stipulated settlement in Ms. L v. ICE, 3:18-cv-00428 (December 11, 2023). It supersedes and replaces all previous CBP policies governing the separation of family units and all U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Office of Field Operations (OFO) guidance implementing these policies.

Accessibility Notice

Some documents posted in this section of CBP.gov contain redactions and are not fully accessible under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. However, members of the public may request a Section 508 compliant accessible copy of any document posted to this section, if needed. When requesting accessibility assistance, please send an email with the subject line “Accessibility Modification Request” to CBPPolicy@cbp.dhs.gov.

PLEASE NOTE: A Section 508 compliant accessible copy of a document may be altered to meet disclosure requirements but will contain the same information.

Attachment Ext. Size Date
Family Unity Policy PDF 452.36 KB 05/13/2024
Last Modified: May 29, 2024