Detention Process for Illegal Border Crossings from Mexico into the US

When apprehended crossing the U.S.–Mexico border illegally, individuals typically face the following detention pathway:

1. CBP Holding Facility – Initial processing, screening, and interview at a short-term facility near the border.
2. Transfer to Longer-Term Detention – If deemed inadmissible or in violation of immigration law, transfer to a local jail or an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) federal detention center.
3. Immigration Proceedings – Detainees await hearings, potential asylum claims, or removal proceedings. Length of stay varies widely based on case complexity, legal representation, and court backlogs.

All processes are governed by federal law and subject to policy changes.