ICE and CBP Joint Statement on Hurricane Harvey

On August 25, 2017, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a joint statement regarding Hurricane Harvey [PDF version].

In the statement, the ICE and CBP stated that their law enforcement components will be ready to help anyone in need of assistance. Law enforcement agents from both are assisting local authorities in the hurricane response.

The ICE and CBP stated that they will not be conducting routine non-criminal immigration enforcement operations at evacuation sites or assistance centers (e.g., shelters or food banks). However, they also made clear that the laws are not being suspended. Both ICE and CBP stated that they “will be vigilant against any effort by criminals to exploit disruptions caused by the storm.”

Finally, the ICE explained that detainees from the Port Isabel Detention Center are being temporarily transferred to other detention facilities outside of the path of Hurricane Harvey. In the event of a transfer, the detainee's attorney of record will be notified.