When someone mentions CBP custody, they’re referring to being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This can happen when individuals—whether undocumented migrants or travelers—are detained at or between ports of entry, usually for issues like inadmissibility, document problems, or immigration enforcement.
Why Understanding CBP Custody Matters
If a loved one is flagged, stopped, or detained by CBP, the first reaction is often panic. Knowing how the system works and what to do can mean the difference between weeks of uncertainty and a swift, well‑supported resolution.
Common reasons for CBP custody:
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Document discrepancies (e.g. expired visas or mismatched names)
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Secondary inspections flagged by CBP officers
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Admissibility concerns, like past violations or misrepresentation
The Typical Flow of CBP Custody
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Initial Detention
CBP holds the individual in a holding cell—sometimes called a “pens system”—until fundamentals are verified. -
Secondary Inspection
Officers dig deeper: reviewing travel history, asking questions, and checking databases. -
Resolution Outcome
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Release at port of entry, perhaps with an escort
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Refusal of entry and return to departure country
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Transfer to ICE for removal or detention
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What You Should Do If a Loved One Is in CBP Custody
1. Get Basic Info
Ask for:
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Full name and date of birth
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Port of entry, time of detention
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Any paperwork or receipts given
2. Contact CBP or ICE
Reach out to:
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The port’s CBP office (numbers listed on CBP.gov)
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ICE’s National Detention Hotline at 1‑888‑351‑4024
Provide name, date of birth, and any receipt number.
3. Enlist Legal Support — TEZ Law Firm
At TEZ Law Firm, our team acts fast to:
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Confirm detention status
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Request access
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File legal motions (e.g. stay of removal or bond petitions)
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Keep family updated regularly
Case Study: A Timely Rescue
Scenario: Maria traveled from Mexico to visit relatives in Texas. At the border port, CBP detained her for a minor visa expiration. Maria’s family couldn’t reach her; she was moved to a federal holding facility with limited phone access.
TEZ Law Firm’s intervention:
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Mailed a formal request to CBP for Maria’s records and exact location
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Called ICE’s hotline and confirmed her transfer
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Filed an emergency bond petition
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TEZ secured her release within 48 hours—Maria reunited with family, not returned home
This real-world intervention shows how prompt legal action can help clients avoid prolonged CBP custody or unnecessary removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long can CBP custody last? | Anywhere from a few hours to several days—rarely beyond 72 hours unless transferred to ICE. |
| Can someone be deported directly from CBP custody? | Yes. If inadmissible, CBP can issue an expedited removal order, especially without legal representation. |
| Is bond possible while in CBP custody? | Not directly. First, the person must be transferred to ICE, then a bond hearing can be requested. Immediate legal contact helps speed the process. |
| Can I talk to my detained loved one? | CBP may allow brief, monitored calls; once in ICE custody, phone access increases. Family or legal counsel can press for visitation rights. |
TEZ Law Firm’s Approach to CBP Custody Cases
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24/7 availability: Our attorneys are ready any time you need to locate someone in CBP detention.
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Strategic filings: We file bond requests, legal briefs, and detention review motions—based on latest rules as of June 2025.
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Ongoing guidance: Families get step‑by‑step explanations, updates, and emotional support.
Final Thoughts
Discovering that someone you care about is in CBP custody can feel terrifying and overwhelming. But with the right information and an experienced team behind you, there’s a clear path forward. TEZ Law Firm stands ready to act immediately—confirming whereabouts, advocating for release or bond, and guiding you through each critical step.
If you need to find someone in CBP custody, begin by collecting as much detail as possible, then reach out to us immediately. We’ll handle the rest.
TEZ Law Firm is here to bring people home—swiftly, safely, and with dignity.
