How does the Border Patrol typically handle unaccompanied minors?

The handling of unaccompanied minors by the Border Patrol is governed by federal laws and policies aimed at ensuring the safety and proper care of these vulnerable individuals. Once these minors are apprehended, the Border Patrol processes them and typically refers them to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This agency is responsible for the custody and care of unaccompanied children, providing them with necessary services and support.

The referral to ORR allows for the minors to receive appropriate care and direction, which can include placements in licensed family care homes or other shelters that are equipped to provide for their needs. This reflects a legal and humanitarian approach, ensuring that unaccompanied minors are not subject to immediate deportation without due consideration of their individual circumstances, including any potential claims for asylum or other forms of relief.

In contrast, the processes of direct deportation, placement in juvenile detention centers, or temporary shelters do not align with the protocols intended to protect unaccompanied minors and ensure their rights and well-being.