Underlying documents: investigation into underlying reasons for prolonged detention

Submitted on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 - 01:38
Submitted by user: Anonymous
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Select the DHS component you wish to submit your request to: : Office of
Inspector General (OIG)
Title:
First Name: Tanvi
Middle Initial:
Last Name: Misra
Suffix:
Email Address: requests@muckrock.com
Country: United States
Address 1: MuckRock News, DEPT MR 79630
Address 2: 411A Highland Ave
City: Somerville
State: Massachusetts
Zip Code: 02144
Telephone Number: 6172991832
Fax Number:
Are you requesting records on yourself? No
If yes, you must check the perjury statement:
By initialing here you are providing your electronic signature.:
Please describe the records you are seeking as clearly and precisely as
possible:
To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following
records:

1. All significant incident reports (SIRs) and significant event
notifications (SENs) to date regarding the upcoming investigation into why
migrants and asylum seekers are spending more than 72 hours in Customs and
Border Protection custody.

The report on this matter was referenced by Jennifer Costello, Acting
Inspector General of the Homeland Security Department, at a hearing in front
of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on July 30,
2019. (See, starting 36:10:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?463040-1/senate-homeland-security-hearing-migration-us-southern-border;
"We're looking at the underlying causes of the prolonged detention — why
are we going beyond the 72 hours? Between HHS, ICE, CBP and some of the other
folks at play — what are the factors driving that?")

2. All materials relied upon by DHS-OIG in the upcoming investigation into
why migrants and asylum seekers are spending more than 72 hours in Customs
and Border Protection custody, as referenced by Acting IG Costello on July
30, 2019 at a hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Government
Affairs Committee — including, but not limited to, photographs, interview
notes, and electronic or paper communications;

3. All communication to date with DHS agency components regarding the
upcoming investigation into why migrants and asylum seekers are spending more
than 72 hours in Customs and Border Protection custody, as referenced by
Acting IG Costello on July 30, 2019 at a hearing in front of the Senate
Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee — including, but not
limited to, communication with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs
and Border Protection, Department of Health and Human Services, and Immigrant
Health Services Corps;

3. All follow-up communications to date from OIG to any DHS agency component
or Congressional liaisons regarding the upcoming investigation into why
migrants and asylum seekers are spending more than 72 hours in Customs and
Border Protection custody, as referenced by Acting IG Costello on July 30,
2019 at a hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Government
Affairs Committee;

4. All communications to date between OIG and subject-matter experts
regarding the upcoming investigation into why migrants and asylum seekers are
spending more than 72 hours in Customs and Border Protection custody, as
referenced by Acting IG Costello on July 30, 2019 at a hearing in front of
the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee;

5. All completed drafts and forthcoming management alerts or reports on the
upcoming investigation into why migrants and asylum seekers are spending more
than 72 hours in Customs and Border Protection custody, as referenced by
Acting IG Costello on July 30, 2019 at a hearing in front of the Senate
Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee;

BACKGROUND

In reports numbered OIG-19-46 and OIG-19-51, IG found that migrants were
being held in prolonged detention in overcrowded conditions at Customs and
Border Protection processing centers in Texas.

In a hearing titled, "Unprecedented Migration at the U.S. Southern Border:
What Is Required to Improve Conditions?" held on July 30 in front of the full
Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Acting Inspector
General Jennifer Costello testified, and provided a list of ongoing
investigations, including one that sought to uncover the reasons for
prolonged detention observed in previous reports. (See, starting 36:10:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?463040-1/senate-homeland-security-hearing-migration-us-southern-border)

Specifically, Ms. Costello mentioned a forthcoming report: "We're looking at
the underlying causes of the prolonged detention — why are we going beyond
the 72 hours? Between HHS, ICE, CBP and some of the other folks at play —
what are the factors driving that?" That is the report the above requested
documents pertain to.

I am requesting these documents as a journalist who has been covering
immigration issues for the last five years at The Atlantic. Founded in 1857
and today one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry, The
Atlantic has throughout its history championed the power of big ideas and
continues to shape global debate across print, digital, events, video, and
audio platforms. With its award-winning digital presence TheAtlantic.com and
CityLab.com on cities around the world, The Atlantic is a multimedia forum on
the most critical issues of our times—from politics, global, and the
economy, to technology, arts, and culture.

Currently, I'm an immigration reporter at CQ-Roll Call, one of the oldest
Congressional publications in the U.S with a track record of award winning
non-partisan journalism — currently specializing in coverage of immigrant
detention. I respectfully ask that this FOIA request be expedited, as it is
in public interest for Congress and taxpayers to know the conditions in which
migrants are being held and the reasons behind these practices.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and
this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me
of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the
request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if
not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look
forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days,
as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Tanvi Misra

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Select from the list below: An individual seeking information for personal
use and not for commercial use.
I request a waiver of all fees for this request.: I request a waiver of all
fees for this request.
Please provide an explanation for your request for a fee waiver:
I am requesting these documents as a journalist who has been covering
immigration issues for the last five years at The Atlantic. Founded in 1857
and today one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry, The
Atlantic has throughout its history championed the power of big ideas and
continues to shape global debate across print, digital, events, video, and
audio platforms. With its award-winning digital presence TheAtlantic.com and
CityLab.com on cities around the world, The Atlantic is a multimedia forum on
the most critical issues of our times—from politics, global, and the
economy, to technology, arts, and culture.

Currently, I'm an immigration reporter at CQ-Roll Call, one of the oldest
Congressional publications in the U.S with a track record of award winning
non-partisan journalism — currently specializing in coverage of immigrant
detention. I respectfully ask that this FOIA request be expedited, as it is
in public interest for Congress and taxpayers to know the conditions in which
migrants are being held and the reasons behind these practices.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and
this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
Please select and describe in detail if you believe your request warrants
expeditious handling:
Please provide information to support your selection: