CBP to Build Temporary Facilities to Address Humanitarian Crisis on Southwest Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded a contract Thursday to Deployed Resources LLC of Rome, New York, to construct soft-sided temporary facilities in El Paso and Donna, Texas. Valued at $36.9 million, the contract is for a four-month base period with four one-month options.

“The humanitarian and border security crisis on our Southwest border has stretched our resources and processing facilities to the breaking point,” said John P. Sanders, the senior official performing the duties of Commissioner. “These temporary facilities will support our efforts to process, care for and transfer the unprecedented number of families and unaccompanied children crossing the border illegally each day.”

CBP’s Office of Facilities and Asset Management will oversee the construction of the facilities, which are expected to be operational as soon as May 1.

The temporary soft-sided facilities will each accommodate up to 500 individuals in CBP custody while they await transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or to the Department of Health and Human Services. The temporary structures are weatherproof and provide areas for eating, sleeping, recreation and personal hygiene.

The contract provides for shower trailers, chemical toilets and sinks, laundry trailers, sleeping mats, kitchen equipment, personal property storage boxes, office space, interior and perimeter closed circuit television, lockers, security, power and HVAC services.