DHS Needs to Enhance Its COVID-19 Response at the Southwest Border
Audit · Department of Homeland Security OIG · 2021-09-21 · about Department of Homeland Security
Report
Title
DHS Needs to Enhance Its COVID-19 Response at the Southwest Border
Submitting OIG
Department of Homeland Security OIG
Component agency
Department of Homeland Security
Type
Audit
Publication date
2021-09-21
Summary
The objective of this review was to determine to what extent the Department of Homeland Security has implemented COVID-19 measures for migrants at the southwest border. We reported that 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.
Recommendations (2)
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Status
Text
1
Open
We recommend the Secretary, in coordination with the DHS Chief Medical Officer and components, reassess its COVID-19 responseframework to identify areas for improvement to mitigate the spread of COVID19 while balancing its primary mission of securing…
2
Open
We recommend the Secretary ensure DHS components continue to coordinate with the DHS Chief Medical Officer and are provided theresources needed to operate safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic and any future public health crisis.