CBP Memo Regarding Pregnant, Postpartum, Nursing Individuals, and Infants in Custody

On November 29, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a memo establishing formal guidance related to care in custody for pregnant, postpartum, nursing individuals, and infants in custody. The memo states that individuals covered by the policy should be given medical support, infant care supplies, an appropriate place to rest, and access to additional nutrition such as snacks, milk, and juice. It also requires officers to perform frequent wellness checks and establish a comprehensive database for all known and reported pregnancies. Although these changes represent improvements to the current practices of CBP, the memo does not include any measure of accountability or oversight, and detention facilities remain an inappropriate setting for mothers and babies.