Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Welcome to the FOIA information page on HonorFirst.com. Here, applicants wanting to know why they were not hired and current and former U.S. Border Patrol employees can learn how to obtain information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
What is FOIA?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that provides the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It ensures that federal agency operations, policies, decisions, and procedures are accessible to the public, with certain exemptions.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
90 K ST NE MS 1181
Washington, DC 20229
Note: Submitting requests online is encouraged as mail requests require manual entry, which may delay processing.
Information Required for a FOIA Request
Common FOIA Requests
For a comprehensive list of common FOIA requests and the responsible agency/program office, visit the CBP FOIA page.
Fees
While there is no fee to file a FOIA request, certain requesters may incur costs:
FOIA Appeals
If you are unsatisfied with the response to your FOIA request, you have the right to file an appeal:
FOIA Appeals, Policy and Litigation Branch
90 K Street NE
Washington, DC 20229
Additional Resources
For any additional questions or accessibility assistance, contact the CBP FOIA Office at (202) 325-0150 or email [email protected].
What is FOIA?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that provides the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It ensures that federal agency operations, policies, decisions, and procedures are accessible to the public, with certain exemptions.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
- Online via SecureRelease Portal
- Visit the FOIA SecureRelease portal to submit your request directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Creating a SecureRelease account allows you to submit and track your FOIA request efficiently.
- Visit the FOIA SecureRelease portal to submit your request directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- By Mail:
- Send your written request to:
90 K ST NE MS 1181
Washington, DC 20229
Note: Submitting requests online is encouraged as mail requests require manual entry, which may delay processing.
Information Required for a FOIA Request
- Personal Records: Full name, address, date of birth, and a signed Certification of Identity form or perjury statement.
- Third-Party Requests: Include a signed G-28 form or notarized consent from the individual whose records are being requested.
- Detailed Description: Provide specific details such as dates, times, officer names, certificate numbers, and types of documents to expedite the search process.
Common FOIA Requests
- Personal Records: International travel records, apprehensions/detentions by Border Patrol, secondary inspections at ports of entry.
- Agency Information: Policies, data, communications, and other operational records.
For a comprehensive list of common FOIA requests and the responsible agency/program office, visit the CBP FOIA page.
Fees
While there is no fee to file a FOIA request, certain requesters may incur costs:
- Commercial Requesters: May be charged for searching, reviewing, and photocopying records.
- Non-commercial Requesters: Charged for photocopying after the first 100 pages and for search time exceeding two hours.
FOIA Appeals
If you are unsatisfied with the response to your FOIA request, you have the right to file an appeal:
- Submit via FOIA SecureRelease portal: Follow the instructions to file an appeal online.
- By Mail: Send your appeal within 90 days of the final response letter to:
FOIA Appeals, Policy and Litigation Branch
90 K Street NE
Washington, DC 20229
Additional Resources
- CBP FOIA Reading Room: Check if the records you need are already publicly available.
- CBP Information Center: For further assistance, visit the CBP Help Information Center or call (877) 227-5511 (U.S.) or (202) 325-8000 (International).
For any additional questions or accessibility assistance, contact the CBP FOIA Office at (202) 325-0150 or email [email protected].
