Fact Check: "It is unprecedented for CBP to detain U.S. citizens for weeks without cause."
What We Know
The claim that it is unprecedented for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to detain U.S. citizens for weeks without cause is rooted in recent events and historical practices. In April 2025, a U.S. citizen named Jose Hermosillo was detained by CBP agents for nearly 10 days under suspicion of being undocumented, raising significant civil liberties concerns (source-6). This incident has been cited as an example of the potential for unlawful detentions by CBP, which typically has the authority to detain individuals at ports of entry.
Historically, CBP has faced scrutiny for its treatment of individuals at the border, including U.S. citizens. The agency's practices have evolved over time, particularly during the Trump administration, which implemented a "zero tolerance" policy that led to increased prosecutions and detentions (source-2). However, the claim of unprecedented detentions specifically for weeks without cause requires further examination.
Analysis
The assertion that CBP's detention of U.S. citizens for weeks without cause is unprecedented is complicated by the context of immigration enforcement and civil rights. While the specific case of Jose Hermosillo is notable, it is essential to consider the broader historical context. Previous reports and incidents have documented cases where U.S. citizens have been detained under questionable circumstances, although these instances may not have reached the duration of weeks (source-4).
Critically, the source of the claim, which states that such detentions are "wholly unprecedented," comes from a statement made by an attorney representing the detained individuals (source-7). While legal experts often highlight the potential for civil rights violations in these cases, statements from advocacy groups can sometimes reflect a particular perspective or agenda, which may introduce bias.
Moreover, the CBP has faced ongoing criticism for its detention practices, particularly regarding the treatment of families and children at the border. The agency's enforcement statistics indicate a complex landscape of immigration enforcement, where the detention of U.S. citizens is not the norm but has occurred under specific circumstances (source-1).
Conclusion
The claim that it is unprecedented for CBP to detain U.S. citizens for weeks without cause is Partially True. While the specific case of Jose Hermosillo highlights serious concerns regarding the legality and ethics of such detentions, it is essential to recognize that there have been other instances of U.S. citizens being detained under dubious circumstances. The historical context of CBP's practices, particularly during heightened enforcement periods, suggests that while prolonged detentions may not be common, they are not entirely without precedent.
Sources
- CBP Enforcement Statistics
- Zero Tolerance Immigration Prosecutions – Family Fact Sheet
- 100 Days of Fighting Fake News
- Border Crisis: CBP Fights Child Exploitation
- A Timeline of the First Trump Administration's Efforts to End Asylum
- Border Detention of U.S. Citizen Raises Civil Liberties Concerns
- Mom and her four American-born children detained after crossing the border
- Know Your Rights: U.S. Airports and Ports of Entry
