DHS OIG HIGHLIGHTS
DHS Needs to Enhance Its COVID-19 Response
at the Southwest Border
September 10, 2021
Why We Did
This Inspection
In October 2020, in conjunction
with the COVID-19 pandemic,
the United States began
experiencing a surge of
migrants at the southwest
border, adding increased risk to
an unprecedented public health
emergency. DHS, in addition
to its broad mission, is
responsible for helping detect
and slow the spread of COVID-
19. During this inspection, we
received a referral from the
Office of Special Counsel
concerning the lack of COVID-
19 testing at one CBP location.
We conducted a limited review
to determine to what extent
DHS has implemented
measures to mitigate the spread
of COVID-19 in migrants at the
southwest border.
What We
Recommend
We made two recommendations
to the Department to improve
its response to COVID-19 at the
southwest border.
For Further Information:
Contact our Office of Public Affairs at
(202) 981-6000, or email us at
What We Found
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not
conduct COVID-19 testing for migrants who enter CBP
custody and is not required to do so. Instead, CBP
relies on local public health systems to test
symptomatic individuals. According to CBP officials,
as a frontline law enforcement agency, it does not have
the necessary resources to conduct such testing. For
migrants who are transferred or released from CBP
custody into the United States, CBP coordinates with
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, and other Federal, state, and
local partners for COVID-19 testing of migrants.
Although DHS generally follows guidance from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for
COVID-19 preventative measures, DHS’ multi-layered
COVID-19 testing framework does not require CBP to
conduct COVID-19 testing at CBP facilities. Further,
DHS’ Chief Medical Officer does not have the authority
to direct or enforce COVID-19 testing procedures.
Currently, only the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and
CBP leadership can direct CBP to implement COVID-
19 measures.
Without stronger COVID-19 prevention measures in
place, DHS is putting its workforce, support staff,
communities, and migrants at greater risk of
contracting the virus.
DHS’ Response
DHS concurred with both recommendations.
www.oig.dhs.gov OIG-21-60