Transborder Policy Research Network
The Deportation Pipeline
Mapping the enforcement system from arrest to removal — where visibility is lost, and where the TPRN intervenes at each node.
Pipeline Stage
Visibility Lost
TPRN Intervention
Arrest
San Diego — courthouse, home, workplace raids
→
Gap
Local Detention
Otay Mesa Detention Center, San Diego
→
Gap
Transfer & Staging
TX border staging facilities — Port Isabel, Pearsall
→
Gap
Deportation Flight
ICE Air — charter flights, commercial removals
→
Gap
Destination
Mexico City, Tapachula, Guatemala, third countries
TPRN Intervention Points
Stage 1 — Arrest
Court & Community Monitoring
ICE courthouse arrest observation, community raid documentation, rapid response networks, know-your-rights distribution
Stage 2 — Detention
Detention Tracking & Advocacy
Bond hearing monitoring, detainee welfare checks, legal referral coordination, conditions documentation, family notification
Stage 3 — Transfer
Transfer Chain Documentation
ICE transfer pattern tracking, facility-to-facility movement logging, cross-state coordination with legal advocates
Stage 4 — Flight
Flight & Removal Monitoring
ICE Air flight tracking, deportation flight manifests, removal order documentation, last-point-of-contact alerts
Stage 5 — Destination
Post-Deportation Support
Arrival reception coordination, reintegration resource connection, cross-border legal case continuity, safety assessments
Where Visibility Is Lost
Gap 1 — Arrest → Detention
Initial Processing Black Hole
Families often unaware of arrest for 24–72 hours. No automatic notification system. Detainees moved before legal counsel contacted.
Gap 2 — Detention → Transfer
Silent Interstate Transfers
Detainees transferred without attorney or family notification. Case files delayed or lost in transit. Jurisdiction disrupted.
Gap 3 — Transfer → Flight
Staging Facility Opacity
Final legal review compressed or skipped. Limited communication access at staging facilities. Removal acceleration at scale.
Gap 4 — Flight → Destination
Post-Removal Disconnect
No systematic tracking after deportation. Returnees arrive without resources. Third-country deportations sever all connections.