*HomeU.S. Government Accountability Office*
Menu

      close


          
          
                          	
				
				
	
	
					Reports & Testimonies
									
																				
				
				
	
	
								Reports & Testimonies
													
																												
																						
							
																Recommendations Database
							
																												
																						
							
																Month in Review
							
																												
																						
							
																Order Copies
							
																												
																						
							
																Restricted Reports
							
																												
																						
							
																View Topics
							
																												
																						
							
																View Agencies
							
																												
																						
							
																Bid Protests & Appropriations Law
									
																				
				
				
	
	
								Bid Protests & Appropriations Law
													
																												
																						
							
																Bid Protests
							
																												
																						
							
																Appropriations Law
							
																												
																						
							
																Federal Vacancies Reform Act
							
																												
																						
							
																Other Legal
							
																												
																						
							
																About
									
																				
				
				
	
	
								About
													
																												
																						
							
																What GAO Does
							
																												
																						
							
																U.S. Comptroller General
							
																												
																						
							
																Careers
							
																												
																						
							
																Contact UsFor Congress
                                
                          
        
                Press Center
                                
                          
        
                Careers
                                
                          
        
                BlogSearch Breadcrumb
        Home
                            Reports & Testimonies
    Reports & Testimonies Reports & Testimonies
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Recommendations Database
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Month In Review
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Order Copies
              
                          
                          
        
        
        Restricted Reports
                                      
                                                            Filter Reports & Testimonies
        Skip to search results
    
    Publicly Released DatePast WeekPast 6 MonthsPast Year
Custom Date Range
    
      StartEnd
By TopicsAgriculture and Food
  (2)Auditing and Financial Management
  (63)Budget and Spending
  (53)Business Regulation and Consumer Protection
  (2)Economic Development
  (13)Education
  (9)Employment
  (74)Equal Opportunity
  (16)Financial Markets and Institutions
  (4)GAO Mission and Operations
  (1)Government Operations
  (78)Health Care
  (34)Homeland Security
  (232)Housing
  (2)Human Capital
  (44)Information Management
  (10)Information Security
  (8)Information Technology
  (21)International Affairs
  (165)Justice and Law Enforcement
  (275)National Defense
  (11)Natural Resources and Environment
  (2)Retirement Security
  (3)Science and Technology
  (5)Space
  (2)Tax Policy and Administration
  (7)Telecommunications
  (14)Transportation
  (31)Veterans
  (2)Worker and Family Assistance
  (6)
By Agency Name(-)
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  (431)< Clear
  (1429)Bureau of Indian Affairs
  (1)Bureau of Land Management
  (1)Bureau of Prisons
  (9)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (1)Corps of Engineers
  (1)Department of Agriculture
  (9)Department of Commerce
  (16)Department of Defense
  (9)Department of Education
  (4)Department of Energy
  (5)Department of Health and Human Services
  (11)Department of Homeland Security
  (404)Department of Housing and Urban Development
  (6)Department of Justice
  (150)Department of Labor
  (11)Department of State
  (44)Department of the Interior
  (4)Department of the Navy
  (1)Department of the Treasury
  (14)Department of Transportation
  (6)Department of Veterans Affairs
  (4)Environmental Protection Agency
  (3)Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  (2)Executive Office of the President
  (18)Federal Aviation Administration
  (3)Federal Bureau of Investigation
  (24)Federal Communications Commission
  (2)Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  (2)Federal Emergency Management Agency
  (6)Food and Drug Administration
  (4)General Services Administration
  (10)Internal Revenue Service
  (7)National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  (2)National Institutes of Health
  (1)National Park Service
  (1)Office of Management and Budget
  (22)Office of Personnel Management
  (1)Small Business Administration
  (1)Social Security Administration
  (4)Transportation Security Administration
  (15)United States Coast Guard
  (45)United States Customs and Border Protection
  (108)United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  (1)United States Postal Service
  (4)United States Securities and Exchange Commission
  (1)GAO’s reports and testimonies give Congress, federal agencies, and the public timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can improve government operations and save taxpayers billions of dollars.Jump To:
    Jump ToElder Abuse
          Services for Older Adults
          State and Local-Level Drivers and Trends
          State and Local Fiscal Projections
          Federal Borrowing
          Managing the Debt
          Summary of Funding Provisions
          Auditing the Government's Books
          Unpacking the Financial Report
          Highlights
          Recommendations
          Background
          About This Work
          About This Work
          Trends
          About the Center
          Why It's High Risk
          What Remains To Be Done
          Key Reports
          Newest COVID-Related Reports
          AI Use Cases
          Flood Insurance
          Past Pandemic-Related Reports
          CARES Act Oversight Reports
          All COVID-19 Reports
          Report Suspected Fraud
          Subjects
          How to Get Notified
          Past Reports
          Public Health Threats
          Explore the FY 2022 and 2023 Funds
          Lessons Learned
          Agency Reports
          Recent Reports
          Recommendations
          Supplemental Material
          Full Report
          Additional Data
          View Decision
          Downloads
          Previously Identified Actions
          Related Pages
          Associated Agencies
          Tough Choices and Opportunities Ahead
          Americas Fiscal Future Key Areas
          Retirement Security Key Areas
          Current List
          About The High Risk List
          Area Ratings
          Previous High Risk Products
          Search Federal Vacancies
          Past Federal Vacancies
          Violation Letters
          About the Yellow Book
          Advisory Council
          Related Resources
          Comment Letters
          Related Publications
          Contacts and Resources
          Major Issues Facing the Nation
          Meeting Strategic Challenges
          Additional Resources
          Resources
          GAO Contacts
          Mission Teams
          Operations and Staff Offices
          Organization Chart
          Why a Career at GAO?
          Am I Qualified?
          Company Culture
          Reasonable Accommodations
          Video Gallery
          Paid Internships
          Student Volunteers
          Professional Development Program
          Advancement
          Executive Candidate Program
          Summer Associates
          Externships
          Benefits
          Contacts
                    Most Recent Reports**1 - 20 of 431 Reports**
	
	

	
	  **Released on   Apr 16, 2024**
          Homeland Security: DHS Internal Entities Facilitate Information Sharing in Key Areas and Collaborate as Needed
    GAO-24-106896
      Published:   Apr 16, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 16, 2024
.
    Nine formal groups within the Department of Homeland Security routinely share information to advise leaders, guide internal policies, and identify potential threats. We found no unnecessary duplication among the groups, but some of their purposes and activities had the potential for overlap. Agency officials said groups collaborate to avoid duplication. For example, the Homeland Security Intelligence Council—composed of less-senior staff than the Counter Threats Advisory...
          Restrictive Housing: Actions Needed to Enhance BOP and ICE Management and Oversight
    GAO-24-107494
      Published:   Apr 16, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 16, 2024
.
    We testified about our prior work related to use of restrictive housing, formerly referred to as "solitary confinement," in federal prison and detention facilities. In some cases, this includes isolating 1-2 people in cells for nearly 24 hours per day. The Bureau of Prisons uses restrictive housing for about 8% of its prison population each year—about 11,000 people in FY 2023. U.S. Immigration and Customs...
      **Released on   Jan 30, 2024**
          U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Improvements Needed to Workforce and Expansion Plans for Unit of Native American Law Enforcement Personnel
    GAO-24-106385
      Published:   Jan 30, 2024
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 30, 2024
.
    Since 1974, the Shadow Wolves—a highly trained Native American tracking unit—have used traditional and modern methods to combat smuggling from Mexico to the Tohono O'odham Nation reservation in Arizona. They're part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In 2015, ICE shifted their focus from finding smugglers and contraband to conducting investigations. But ICE didn't update the program's mission or staffing needs. ICE has since issued...
      **Released on   Sep 12, 2023**
          Facial Recognition Services: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Should Take Actions to Implement Training, and Policies for Civil Liberties
    GAO-23-105607
      Published:   Sep 5, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Sep 12, 2023
.
    Seven law enforcement agencies in the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice reported using facial recognition services that quickly search through billions of photos of faces to help identify a suspect in a crime scene image. All 7 agencies initially used these services without requiring staff take facial recognition training. Two agencies require it as of April 2023. Also, some agencies don't have policies specific...
      **Released on   Apr 19, 2023**
          Southwest Border: DHS Coordinates with and Funds Nonprofits Serving Noncitizens
    GAO-23-106147
      Published:   Apr 19, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Apr 19, 2023
.
    Some noncitizens are released from custody while they wait for resolution of their immigration court cases. When the Department of Homeland Security releases them, it may coordinate with nonprofit organizations to help them with their immediate food, shelter, and travel needs. One DHS grant program offers funds for these nonprofits to help local communities better manage the costs of new arrivals. In fiscal years 2019...
      **Released on   Mar 23, 2023**
          Critical Infrastructure Protection: Time Frames to Complete CISA Efforts Would Help Sector Risk Management Agencies Implement Statutory Responsibilities
    GAO-23-106720
      Published:   Mar 23, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 23, 2023
.
    Protecting critical infrastructure that helps provide necessities like water, electricity, and food is a national priority. Events like natural disasters or cyberattacks can disrupt services Americans need for daily life. We testified that many federal agencies work to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and look to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for leadership on how to do it. A 2021 law expanded these agencies'...
      **Released on   Feb 7, 2023**
          Critical Infrastructure Protection: Time Frames to Complete DHS Efforts Would Help Sector Risk Management Agencies Implement Statutory Responsibilities
    GAO-23-105806
      Published:   Feb 7, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 7, 2023
.
    Protecting critical infrastructure—like water supplies, electricity grids, and food production—is a national priority. Events like natural disasters or cyberattacks can disrupt services that Americans need for daily life. Many federal agencies are tasked with protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and look to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for leadership on how to do it. A 2021 law expanded these agencies' responsibilities and added some...
      **Released on   Jan 9, 2023**
          Immigration Detention: ICE Can Improve Oversight and Management
    GAO-23-106350
      Published:   Jan 9, 2023
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 9, 2023
.
    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains tens of thousands of noncitizens each year in facilities nationwide. This Snapshot highlights our previous work and actions that ICE can take to ensure that these facilities are safe, humane, and well-managed. For example, ICE could: fully analyze its facility inspections data to identify broad issues and trends improve oversight of detention conditions ensure that detained noncitizens consent to...
      **Released on   Nov 15, 2022**
          China: Efforts Underway to Address Technology Transfer Risk at U.S. Universities, but ICE Could Improve Related Data
    GAO-23-106114
      Published:   Nov 15, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Nov 15, 2022
.
    A third of foreign graduate students studying STEM at U.S. universities are Chinese nationals—some with access to sensitive research. U.S. agencies have identified several factors indicating the types of students—such as being from a country of concern like China—who may pose a greater risk of transferring technology to foreign entities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement keeps a database related to these factors but hasn't assessed if...
      **Released on   Oct 26, 2022**
          Immigration Detention: Actions Needed to Collect Consistent Information for Segregated Housing Oversight
    GAO-23-105366
      Published:   Oct 26, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Oct 26, 2022
.
    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can, under certain circumstances, place detained noncitizens in segregated housing—one to two person cells separate from the general population. There were 14,581 such placements from FYs 2017-2021. ICE oversees segregated housing, and also monitors placements involving vulnerable persons—e.g., those with medical or mental health conditions. But it relies on reports and data that don't always have enough detail about the...
      **Released on   Oct 18, 2022**
          Immigration Detention: ICE Needs to Strengthen Oversight of Informed Consent for Medical Care
    GAO-23-105196
      Published:   Oct 18, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Oct 18, 2022
.
    ICE oversees—and in some cases provides—medical care for people detained in its facilities. Some care is provided onsite and some must be provided offsite, such as at a hospital. ICE must obtain documentation of "informed consent" from people receiving onsite care. Informed consent involves the medical provider speaking to the person in detail about treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives. Medical files that we reviewed generally...
      **Released on   Jun 22, 2022**
          Alternatives to Detention: ICE Needs to Better Assess Program Performance and Improve Contract Oversight
    GAO-22-104529
      Published:   Jun 22, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 22, 2022
.
    Some people who are waiting for resolution of their immigration court cases can be enrolled in Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Alternatives to Detention program. The program offers ICE options for monitoring people (e.g., GPS or home visits) to help ensure compliance with release requirements, such as appearing in court. Since 2015, program enrollments have more than doubled to over 100,000 in 2020. ICE uses a...
      **Released on   Jun 14, 2022**
          Export Controls: Enforcement Agencies Should Better Leverage Information to Target Efforts Involving U.S. Universities
    GAO-22-105727
      Published:   Jun 14, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 14, 2022
.
    Millions of foreign students and scholars study at U.S. universities, and many contribute to U.S. research. But, there's a risk that some may illegally access and share sensitive information, such as data or technology, with their home countries. Agencies involved in addressing this threat said that outreach and education increases university officials' awareness of research security threats and builds stronger relationships with university officials. To...
      **Released on   Jan 12, 2022**
          Immigration: Information on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
    GAO-22-104734
      Published:   Jan 12, 2022
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jan 12, 2022
.
    Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can provide temporary protection from removal for certain noncitizens who came to the United States before age 16. In 2012, USCIS published guidance explaining that it would not proactively provide information from denied DACA requests to immigration enforcement agencies unless the requestor posed a potential public safety risk or the request...
      **Released on   Dec 15, 2021**
          Law Enforcement: Federal Agencies Should Improve Reporting and Review of Less-Lethal Force
    GAO-22-104470
      Published:   Dec 15, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Dec 15, 2021
.
    Federal agencies deployed law enforcement and other personnel during protests following George Floyd's death. Many used less-lethal force—tactics and weapons that are not intended to cause death or serious injury, such as tear gas and rubber bullets. We examined, among other things, how 10 agencies reviewed their use of this force in Washington, D.C., and Portland, OR. 8 used less-lethal force Use-of-force reports often didn't...
      **Released on   Jul 20, 2021**
          Immigration Enforcement: Actions Needed to Better Track Cases Involving U.S. Citizenship Investigations
    GAO-21-487
      Published:   Jul 20, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jul 20, 2021
.
    In recent years, some U.S. citizens have claimed they were mistakenly identified as foreign nationals and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on immigration charges. ICE and CBP have policies and procedures for investigating citizenship, but we found some ICE guidance is inconsistent and ICE does not systematically track these encounters. Our analysis of...
      **Released on   Jun 30, 2021**
          Immigration Detention: ICE Efforts to Address COVID-19 in Detention Facilities
    GAO-21-414
      Published:   Jun 30, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Jun 30, 2021
.
    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has a number of detention facilities around the country. As of March 2021, ICE had confirmed over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 among detainees within its detention facilities, and recorded 8 deaths. We reviewed how ICE has responded to COVID-19 in its detention facilities. We found that ICE has developed protocols to address things like facility intake processing, screening and testing...
      **Released on   Mar 24, 2021**
          Tráfico de armas de fuego: Los esfuerzos de EE.UU. para interrumpir el tráfico de armas de fuego a México se beneficiarían de datos y análisis adicionales
    GAO-21-336
      Published:   Mar 24, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 24, 2021
.
    For the English version of this page, see GAO-21-322 . El tráfico de armas por la frontera entre EE.UU. y México ayuda a facilitar el tráfico ilegal de drogas y tiene vínculos con el crimen organizado. La Agencia de Alcohol, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en inglés) ha recopilado datos sobre armas recuperadas en México y rastreó muchas de ellas...
          Firearms Trafficking: U.S. Efforts to Disrupt Gun Smuggling into Mexico Would Benefit from Additional Data and Analysis
    GAO-21-322
      Published:   Feb 22, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Mar 24, 2021
.
    Para la versión de esta página en español, ver a GAO-21-336 . Gun smuggling over the U.S.-Mexican border helps the illegal drug trade and has links to organized crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has gathered data on guns recovered in Mexico and traced many of them to U.S. sources. But ATF's data only shows part of the picture—for example, data reported...
      **Released on   Feb 26, 2021**
          Immigration Enforcement: ICE Can Further Enhance Its Planning and Oversight of State and Local Agreements
    GAO-21-186
      Published:   Jan 27, 2021
. 
        Publicly Released:   Feb 26, 2021
.
    Under its 287(g) program, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to help enforce immigration laws. Since 2017, the program expanded from 35 to about 150 agreements and ICE now has two models in which such law enforcement agencies can participate. We found that ICE has some policies and procedures to oversee and manage the partner...
    
		Go back to search filters
	  1
              2
              3
              4
              5
              6
              7
              8
              9
                          ...
                          Next
                          Last
 Receive GAO Updates
  Stay informed as we add new reports & testimonies.

  Federal Depository Library Program member and GPO digital preservation partner.

    GAO Logo
      U.S. Government Accountability Office


                                   Column 1
                            Press Center
                              Contact Us
                              Inspector General
                              Restricted Reports
                              Column 2
                            Copyright & Terms of Use
                              Privacy Policy
                              Accessibility
                              Sitemap
                              Column 3
                            FOIA Requests
                              Scam Alerts
                              No FEAR Act Data
                              Health Care Advisory Committees