Border Security

A new GAO report highlights challenges DHS faces in managing border facilities for individuals held in short-term custody. Between 2019 and 2024, CBP spent over $4 billion operating temporary soft-sided facilities but often struggled with staffing, oversight, and cost efficiency. DHS is now planning permanent Joint Processing Centers, expected to cost more than $7 billion, but GAO found that critical acquisition planning steps and cost analyses were not completed. Without stronger planning and lessons learned, DHS risks repeating inefficiencies as it builds out these long-term facilities.