Notice
Requesters can use the FOIA SecureRelease portal to submit requests directly to U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Requests can also be sent in the physical mail to: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Stop 1181, Washington, DC 20229. We encourage you to submit your request through the DHS Portal. Any requests sent to CBP in the physical mail will need to be manually entered by staff and will divert resources away from processing records.
Use Our Online FOIA System to Request
- Your own records of international travel to/from the U.S., apprehensions/detentions by Border Patrol, and Secondary inspections at Ports of Entry;
- Another person's records (if a signed consent is provided/uploaded) for international travel to/from the U.S., apprehensions/ detentions by Border Patrol, and Secondary inspections at Ports of Entry; or
- Agency Information such as policies, data, communications, etc.
After you create a SecureRelease account you can submit a FOIA request directly to CBP. When submitting a FOIA request on records that pertain to you, please provide your full name, address, date of birth, and a signed Certification of Identity form, or a perjury statement and signature or notary. If you are requesting records on behalf of someone else, you need a signed G-28 form (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative), or some other form of signed consent that will allow CBP to release the records to a 3rd party. Once your request is submitted you will receive an acknowledgment and a FOIA tracking number. After your FOIA request is acknowledged you can track the status of your request at any time. Please note that the FOIA process is not intended to be a mechanism for asking questions of CBP. FOIA requests are intended to provide access to CBP records.
To Receive Your Records as Efficiently As Possible
- Visit the FOIA Reading Room to confirm we have not already posted the records you need.
- Request only the records you need, as we can return precise requests faster.
- Make your request with the right agency by reviewing the sections below. Records contained in the A-file are processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Common FOIA Requests
Some records may not be available through the CBP FOIA Office. The table below lists common FOIA requests and the agency/program office that can respond to these requests.
| Record/Request Type | Where to Submit FOIA Request |
|---|---|
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs:
|
Enrollment Centers: FAST Global Entry NEXUS SENTRI |
Apprehension by Border Patrol between Official Ports of Entry
|
CBP (via SecureReleaseTM) |
| CBP Background Investigation | |
| CBP Contracts | |
| Detention by Border Patrol or at Port of Entry | |
| Expedited Removal by Border Patrol or at Port of Entry | |
| CBP Human Resources | |
| Passenger Name Record (PNR) (Travel Industry Reservation Data) | |
| Records Regarding My Inspection or Examination upon My Arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry | |
Information Regarding Entry and Exit
|
|
| Voluntary Return | |
| Import Trade Activity (ITRAC) Requests | CBP ITRAC Requests |
| I-94 Records | CBP I-94 website |
| A-File | USCIS |
| I-130 Records | |
| N-400 | |
| Petition Status | |
| Deportation Records; Detention and Removal Records | |
| Medical Records (While in Detention) | Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
| Inquiries or Resolution Regarding Difficulties Experienced During Travel (If you experience repeated referrals for security screenings or you believe that you have been denied boarding or entry into the U.S. because of inaccurate information in law enforcement databases) | Department of Homeland Security (DHS TRIP) |
| Visa/Passport | Department of State |
| Concerns about how you were treated by CBP officers, or if you have a general or specific question(s) about CBP or your CBP inspection | CBP Information Center or call (877) CBP-5511 (227-5511) for U.S. Callers or (202) 325-8000 for International callers |
Accessibility
The records received from your FOIA request may not conform to applicable standards for use by persons with disabilities per Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. You may request a reasonable modification for an accessible copy of your requested documents, if needed. If you choose to make a request for an accessible copy of a released document, then you will be contacted by a representative from our office to address your request. Please Note: A Section 508 compliant accessible copy of a document may be altered to meet disclosure requirements but will contain the same information.
When requesting accessibility assistance, please indicate your name, a phone number where you can be reached, and the FOIA Case Number in question. Please send your reasonable modification request to the FOIA mailbox at cbpfoiapublicliaison@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line "FOIA Disability Modification" or call (202) 325-0150. (If you need telecommunication relay service (TRS) assistance to communicate with the CBP FOIA Office and you are in the United States, please dial 711 to obtain TRS assistance and notify the Communications Assistant that you want to contact the CBP FOIA Office at the telephone number (202) 325-0150.)
For additional questions, you may call the FOIA office at 202-325-0150 or by email at cbpfoiapublicliaison@cbp.dhs.gov.
CBP Information Center
Visit the CBP Help Information Center for additional assistance.