·.ICE/ORO RESIDEN'TIALSTANDA'RD .
TRANSPORTATION (BY LAND)
PURPOSE AND SCOPE. Vehicles are properly equipped, maintained, and operated and residents
are transported in a secure, safe and humane manner, under the supervision of trained and
experienced staff, preventing harm to the public.
I. EXPECTED OUTCOMES. The expected outcomes of this Standard are as follows:
1. The general public, residents, and staff will be protected from harm when residents are
transported.
2. Vehicles used for transporting residents will be properly equipped, maintained, and operated.
3. Residents will be transported in a safe and humane manner, under the supervision oftrained
and experienced staff.
4. Where required, residents have regular access to translation services and/or are provided
information in a language that they understand.
5. The standard complies with federal laws and with OHS regulations regarding residents with
special needs.
II. DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. None
III. REFERENCES
The First Edition National Residential Standards were written using a variety of
methodologies including previous and current practices, review and comment from various
SUbject matter experts, review and comment from various government and non-government
organizations, and a review of current state codes in Pennsylvania and Texas. Each
standard is written in a manner that affords each resident admission and continuous housing
to a family residential facility in a dignified and respectful manner. There are no specific
codes, certifications, or accreditations that deal specifically with unique management
requirements of families awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceeding in a nonsecure custodial environment.
American Correctional Association 4th Edition Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities: 4ALDF-1 8-01, 18-03, 18-04, 18-05, 18-06.
ICOIORO Residential Standard on Transfer of Residents.
Memorandum dated 7i14i2006 on "Escape Reporting" from the ICE/TIRO Director, which
specifies requirements for the reporting, tracking, and investigating ofthe escape of an ICEIDRO
resident.
ICE Residential Standard for "Use of Physical Force"

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IV. EXPECTED PRACTICES
A. Written Policy and Procedures Required
The facility administrator shall develop and implement written policy, procedures, and guidelines
for the transportation of residents, addressing at a minimum the following subjects:
1. General policy and procedures governing safety; security; operations, communications,
equipment;
2. Vehicle inspections and repair;
3. Vehicle occupancy;
4. Arrangement of seating of residents in transportation vehicles;
5. State and Federal requirements that relate to the transport of children in vehicles,
including car seats, etc.
6. Procedures in the event of:
•

Vehicle failure,

•

Traffic accident,

•

Severe weather or natural disaster,

•

An emergency situation, as specified later in this document,

•

Transport of females or children,

•

Transport of residents whose physical or mental conditions preclude prolonged travel.

B. Vehicle Maintenance
All vehicles used for transporting ICEIDRO residents shall be comply with annual safety
inspections in accordance with applicable statutes. Vehicles may not be used for transportation
if any safety repairs are needed.
C. Transportation Planning and Scheduling
The Facility Administrator (FA) has overall responsibility for all aspects of vehicle operations.
The FA is responsible for establishing schedules for and monitoring vehicular maintenance,
making logistical arrangements to transport residents, supervising and instructing personnel,
and protecting resident security. Before departure, the facility shall revise plans as necessary,
based on weather and road conditions and any other last-minute security considerations.
The Residential Standard on Transfer of Residents specifies requirements for communication
between a sending facility and a receiving facility.

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D. Transporting Staff Responsibilities
1. Training Required
All facility staff assigned to bus transportation duties must have a valid current Commercial
Driver's License (COL) issued by the state. Bus-driver trainees may operate the vehicle
during any segment of a run when residents are not on board, but only under the direct and
constant supervision of a certified bus instructor licensed by the state in which they are
driving.
2. Forms and Files
For each vehicle operator and others assigned to a bus, supervisors shall maintain at the
official dUty station a file containing:
• Certificate of Completion from the ICE/ORO Bus Training Program,
• Copy of the most current physical examination, used to obtain the commercial
driver's license (COL); and
• Copy of the COL.
Every motor vehicle operator shall complete forms S'F-47, G-392, and G-294 for his or her
official personnel folder (OPF) and is responsible for renewing those documents and
providing copies for the OPF.
3. Operating the Vehicle
The driver shall operate the vehicle in accordance with the COL manual or the highest
prevailing standard and must maintain complete control of the vehicle at all times, obeying all
posted traffic signs (including speed limits) and exercising extreme caution, reduced speed,
and common sense when negotiating a steep grade or driving in inclement weather or
hazardous road conditions.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited. In addition to any other random
testing as part of a drug-free workplace program, all staff assigned to transportation are
subject to U.S. Oepartment of Transportation {DOn drug- and alcohol-testing
The transporting staff shall comply with all State and Federal motor vehicle regulations
(including OOT, Interstate Commerce Commission, and Environmental Protection Agency),
in addition to the following:

1. Wearing a seat belt when the vehicle is moving;
2. Holding a valid COL from the state where employed;
3. Inspecting the vehicle, using a checklist and noting any defect that could render the
vehicle unsafe or inoperable;
4. Transporting residents in a safe and humane manner;
5. Verifying individual identities and checking documentation when transferring or
receiving residents;
6. Oriving defensively, taking care to protect the vehicle and occupants; obeying traffic
laws; and immediately reporting damage or accidents;

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..._

_.-_._--------------,

7. Re-inspecting the vehicle after each trip and completing a vehicle inspection report,
including an odometer reading;
8. 8. Returning the vehicle keys to the control staff or supervisor, according to facility
procedures;
9. Recording authorized expenses (such as fuel, emergency services, oil) on form G205, "Government-owned Vehicle Record," specifying the exact amount and the date;
keeping all receipts and turning them in along with the G-205 at the end of each
month;
10. Safeguarding credit cards assigned to the vehicle.

4. Driving Hours and Number of Operators
Each staff employee must recognize the limitations imposed by his or her own driving skills,
personal distractions, environmental conditions, and modify his or her driving accordingly.
All crew members must strictly adhere to the following rules/restrictions - if a crew member
is disqualified from participating in a residential transport by any or all of these rules, he or
she has the responsibility to inform a transportation supervisor. The transportation
supervisor must also ensure that each crew member is not disqualified from participating in
the transport of residents.
1. Possession of current valid COL by the bus operator(s);
2. Crew member must be off-duty for the 8 hours immediately preceding any trip or trip
segment;
3. Crews members are restricted for transport duties to 10 hours, maximum, driving time
(time on the road) per trip segment; 8 off-duty hours between segments;
4. Crew members are limited to 50 hours, maximum, driving time per work week; 70
hours, maximum, in any 8-day period;
An emergency or unforeseen and/or adverse driving conditions require, crew members to
extent authorized travel time reach a safe and secure stopping area.
When vehicles without residents travel in tandem, a single staff shall be assigned to each.
Unaccompanied staffs may also drive empty vehicles for certain purposes, for example,
maintenance trips

5. Vehicle Security
Staff shall secure the vehicle before leaving it unattended, including removing the keys from
the ignition immediately upon parking the vehicle.
Staff shall avoid parking in a location where the vehicle would attract undue attention or be
vulnerable to vandalism or sabotage. If a parking area with adequate security cannot be
located, staff shall contact the local law enforcement agency for advice or permission to use
one of its parking places.

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E. Staff Uniform and Equipment
All staff transporting ICE/DRO residents shall wear their prescribed uniforms unless other
attire is authorized by the facility administrator.
Every transporting staff shall be issued, and advised to wear, a protective vest while
participating in the transportation program.
Equipment recommended for each trip includes, among other things, the following:
•

Flashlights

•

Extra handcuffs

•

Flexicuffs and cutter;

•

Other authorized intermediate force (flnon-Iethal," flnon-deadly") weapons.

F. Pre-Departure Vehicle and Security Check
Prior to trip departure, all staff assigned to transport residents must be present to ensure a
complete and thorough inspection and search and shall:
1. Inspect the vehicle for mechanical and electrical problems.
2. Test the emergency exits and the key for every lock located in or on the vehicle. A
complete set of these keys shall travel with the vehicle at all times, in a secure place
known to every transporting staff.
3. Search for hidden weapons and other contraband , including the driver's compartment
and glove compartment, the resident seating area, and the cargo compartment.
4. Take any necessary special precautionary measures for a resident identified as a
special-handling case (security, medical, or psychological problems, etc.) while the
search is in progress.
5. Search the staging area prior to loading residents to ensure the area is clear of any
weapons or contraband.
6. Thoroughly search each resident as he or she is about to board the vehicle.

G. Required Documents
1. "Official Detail"
No resident may be removed from any facility, unless authorized in writing by ICE.
Written authorization must include the name of the resident(s), the place or places to be
escorted, the purpose of the trip and other information necessary to efficiently carry out
the detail.
Before beginning the detail, the escorting and transportation staff shall read their
instructions and clearly understand the purpose for which the resident is being taken from
the facility. The staff shall also discuss emergency and alternate plans with the
supervisor.

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All completed transportation authorizations shall be filed in order (monthly), with the
previous months readily available for review. Travel authorization shall be retained for a
minimum of three years.
H. Departure Scheduling and Security
The vehicle crew shall schedule driving times to ensure arrival of residents at the designated
meeting area on schedule.
Before transferring residents from one facility to another, a designated staff shall provide the
receiving office with the following information:
1. The estimated time of departure and arrival (ETD/ETA);
2. The number of residents in each of the following categories: new arrivals (remaining at
the facility); drop-ofts; juveniles/family units; and overnighters;
3. The total number of residents;
4. Any special-handling cases, detailing medications, restraints, etc.;
5. Actual or estimated delays in departure, and revised ETA(s), if applicable.
I. Transfer of Funds, Valuables, and Personal Property
Facility staff shall inspect and inventory the personal property of residents transferring from one
facility to another in accordance with the Residential Standards on Admission and Release and
Funds and Personal Property,.
In addition, at the originating facility:
1. Staff shall ask each resident whether he or she has in his or her possession all funds,
valuables, and other personal property listed on the 1-216.
• If a resident answers "yes," he or she may board the vehicle.
•

If a resident claims missing funds, valuables or personal property, the resident
shall remain at the facility until completion of the required paperwork (SF-95 and 1387 or comparable forms). Photocopies of the completed forms are sufficient
documentation for the transfer to proceed.

2. Staff shall include on each 1-216, in the "checked baggage" section, the 1-77 numbers, to
be verified by receiving facility staff.
3. The lead driver shall check the manifest against the number of packages by resident
name and A- number before signing the 1-216 or placing the baggage on the bus.
In addition to the requirements of the Residential Standard on Funds and Persona! Property:
1. Staff shall completing a separate 1..7 7 for each piece of baggage and record the
resident's name on the top, middle, and bottom portions;
• Attach the string on the top of the 1-77 to the corresponding piece of baggage, and
secure the resident's signature on the back of the 1-77.
•

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Attach the middle section to the copy of the 1-385 that will accompany the resident to
the final destination.
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•

The bottom portion is the resident's receipt.

2. Transporting staff shall record their initials, office designator, and 10 number in the lower
left corner of the bottom portion of the 1-77.
3. Staff involved in the transfer shall identify residents with baggage by the I~77 attached to
the 1-385.

J. Loading a Vehicle
1. Security and Occupancy
Staff shall be posted whenever residents enter or exit a vehicle.
The number of residents transported may not exceed the occupancy level established by
the manufacturer's rated maximum capacity.
The escorting staff/assistant driver shall instruct the residents about rules of conduct during
the trip.
All residents, particularly children and residents with special needs shall be safely
transported in accordance with state vehicular laws, i.e, car seats, etc.
The main driver is responsible for managing the residents' move from the staging area into
the vehicle. The number of available staff shall determine whether they move at one time or
in groups.
2. Items Residents May Keep in Their Possession
Ordinarily, residents in transport may keep the following in their possession: jewelry, cash,
eyeglasses, prescription medicines, and receipts .for property and money (G-589, 1-77);
however, if the transporting staff determine that any of these items would compromise staff
or resident safety 1 it shall be removed from the resident's possession and placed in an
appropriate storage area.
In some instances, the vehicle crew shall safeguard and dispense prescription medicines,
noting the residenfs name, A-number, and date and time(s) dispensed, and by whom.
These notes shall be attached to the resident's medical record or A-file. In any instance
where a vehicle crew may be required to dispense medication; documentation showing those
staff are properly trained must be on file.
3. Count, Identification, and Seating
To confirm the identities of the residents they are transporting, the vehicle crew shall:

1. Summon the resident, by surname, to the vehicle. If a family group is being
transported, all member of the family shall be identified, and parents or legal
guardians shall answer for their child(ren) if child(ren) are under the age of 14.
2. Ask resident to state his or her complete name.
3. Compare name and face with the Booking Card (1-385) and attached photo and the
Record of Persons and Property Transferred (1-216). If necessary, refer to the 1- 385
for additional biographical information.

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4. Seat each resident in accordance with written procedures from the facility
administrator, with particular attention to residents with physical or mental health
conditions, children, or who may need to be afforded closer observation for their own
safety.

5. Conduct a visual count once all passengers are seated on board, and every time the
vehicle makes a scheduled or unscheduled stop, before resuming the trip.

6. Ensure children are seated using proper restraints established by state law. Where
required infant carriers, child safety seats, or booster seats will be used.

K. Responsibilities En Route

1. Point of Contact
The next receiving office on the vehicle route serves as the contact point and is responsible
for monitoring the vehicle's schedule.
Upon making contact with an arriving vehicle, the receiving staff shall certify that they are
taking custody of the specified residents by signing the accompanying Form 1-216.
Each office shall develop and post written gUidelines for locating an overdue vehicle. If the
vehicle does not arrive within range of the ETA, the contact point shall set the tracing
procedures in motion.

2. Safety and Security
For safety purposes, all personnel shall remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.
The vehicle crew shall keep doors locked when residents are on board, and the assistant
driver is responsible for resident oversight during transport. Staff must maintain a clear view
of the entire vehicle compartment and remain alert for behavior that could jeopardize safety
and security.
Residents shall not have access to any personal baggage or packages while in transit
(except as specified in Items Residents May Keep in Their Possession earlier in this,
document).
A complete set of keys for every lock located in or on the vehicle shall travel with the vehicle
at all times, in a secure place known to every transporting staff, and the crew shall keep bolt
cutters in the forward compartment with the outer equipment for use in an emergency.
An armed staff may not enter the secure area of the vehicle. If he or she must enter that
area, the staff shall first leave the weapon(s) with another staff for safekeeping or, if the
vehicle is equipped with weapons lockers, in a locker.

3. Stops
During stops, which the vehicle crew shall keep to a minimum, residents shall not leave the
vehicle until the transporting staff have secured the area. When the residents disembark, the
staff shall keep them under constant observation to prevent external contact(s) and/or
contraband smuggling. At least one staff shall remain in the vehicle when one or more
residents are present.

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L. Meals
The vehicle crew shall provide meals and snacks during any transfer of families. Staff shall
consider when the residents last ate before serving meals and snacks, paying particular
attention to the needs of infants and children.
The requirements specified in the Residential Standard on Food Service apply equally to food
served in transit and food served in Residential facilities. Meals must satisfy the nutritional
requirements of the sending facility. Special dietary needs should be identified to the food
service department before departure, so suitable meals can be arranged.
In the interest of safety, residents shall have no access to eating utensils (disposable or not)
while in transit.
Transporting staff shall observe safe-handling procedures at all times. Their responsibilities
begin with the meals awaiting pickup from the food service department, which the vehicle crew
must inspect (wrapping, portions; quality, quantity, thermos transport containers; etc,) Before
accepting the meals, the vehicle crew shall raise and resolve questions, concerns, or
discrepancies with the food service representative.
In transit, the crew shall store and serve food at the required temperatures, maintain personal
hygiene. and meet all sanitation requirements. The crew shall maintain a constant supply of
drinking water (and ice) in the water container(s), along with paper cups, Some disposable
garbage receptacles (plastic bags) shall reside in the driver's compartment, with the remainder
stored in the equipment box located in the forward baggage compartment.
The food service administrator shall monitor the condition and routine cleansing/sterilizing of
drinking-water containers, basins, latrines, etc. in vehicles to ensure compliance With the
Residential Standard on Food ·Service.
In an emergency, the transporting staff may purchase meals from a commercial source,
obtaining receipts for later reimbursement.
M. Vehicle Communication
Every vehicle shall be equipped with a functioning two-way radio. Every crew shall carry at least
one portable, so the staff can maintain contact if one or more has to leave the vehicle. The
vehicle's communications system shall include a cellular phone that can counteract certain
problems associated with radio transmittals, such as dead zones, different frequencies, etc.
N. Vehicle Sanitation
Vehicles must be kept clean and sanitary at all times. The facility administrator shall
establish the procedures and schedule for sanitizing facility vehicles. Vehicle crew
responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
•

Dumping septic tank contents at the locations specified.

•

Maintaining an adequate supply of water and chemicals in the toilet at all times, which
involves monitoring the inventory of chemical supplies stored in the forward baggage
compartment.

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.... - ..

_._._-_._-_._------

O. Staff Conduct
Recognizing the effect of personal appearance, speech, conduct, and demeanor in
communicating the appropriate sense of authority, every staff shall dress, speak, and act with
the utmost professionalism.
Staff assigned to vehicle operations shall have contact with personnel from various Field and
Sector offices, other government agencies, and with the general pUblic, In all such, the staff
shaH conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on ICE/ORO.
The vehicle crew falls under the authority of the facility administrator and FaD with jurisdiction at
each facility en route, whether an intermediate stop or final destination. This authority remains
in effect until the vehicle's departure, and applies only to the current trip. If problems arise, the
lead driver must contact the facility and nearest ICE office.Staff shall comply with all rules and
procedures governing use of govemment vehicles. They shall not transport any personal items
other than those needed to carry out their assigned duties during the trip. Alcoholic beverages
and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
Using ICE/DRO gUidelines and common sense, staff shall handle the crises that occasionally
arise. While treating all persons with courtesy and respect, they shall not sacrifice or
compromise security to do so.
There shall be no smoking in any vehicle used or expected to be used in the transportation of
families.
P. Firearms Storage
Every facility administrator shall ensure that the on-site supply of gun lockers can accommodate
the non-resident vehicle crews during stops at the facility.
Q. Vehicle Equipment

All transport vehicles shall have emergency equipment and supplies commensurate with their
size and capacity.:
R. Use of Restraints
Generally, restraints shall not be used during the transport of family units. In any event where a
determination is made by staff and concurred with by a supervisor, restraints may be applied as
follows:
In accordance with the Residential Standard on Use of Physical Force and Restraints, staff
shall use authorized techniques and common sense when applying restraints. To ensure safe
and humane treatment, the staff shall check the fit of restraining devices immediately after
application, at every relay point, and any time the resident complains. Properly fitting restraints
do not restrict breathing or blood circulation.
The staff shall double-lock the restraining device(s), and secure each handcuff cover to the waist
chain at a point inaccessible to the residents. Under no circumstances shall staff attach a
restraining device to an immovable object, inclUding, but not limited to, security bars, seats,
steering wheel, or any other part of a vehicle. Staff carrying firearms shall exercise caution if
close contact with a resident becomes necessary.

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As a rule, transporting staff shall not handcuffwomen or children. If an exception arises, the staff
shall document the incident, recording the facts and the reasoning behind the decision.
S. Emergency Situations
The facility administrator shall establish written procedures for transportation staffto follow in an
en-route emergency. The written procedures shall cover the following scenarios.
If an emergency occurs within a reasonable distance of an ICE/ORO office, the staff shall make·
every effort to reach that office before taking extraordinary measures. However, if moving
seems ill-advised or impossible, they shall contact the office, stating location and the nature of
the problem so the office can provide/secure assistance as quickly as possible.
If the situation is life-threatening, the vehicle crew cannot afford to wait for help from an
ICEIDRO office; but shall take immediate action.
1. Attack
If attacked; the vehicle crew should request assistance from the nearest law enforcement
agency, continuing to drive until the vehicle is incapacitated. The transportation staff shall do
everything possible to protect the safety of everyone in the vehicle.

2. Escape
If a resident escapes, the transportation staff shall not jeopardize the security and
accountability ofthe remaining residents by chasing the escapee. Instead, they shall notify
the nearest ICE/DRO office, providing the escapee's name, A-number, height, weight, type
of clothing and direction of flight (if known), The office shall directly relay this information to
local law enforcement agencies.
The vehicle crew shall wait for assistance, under no circumstances using the vehicle to
pursue the escapee. While waiting, the staff shall prepare a written report of the escape
and/or attempted escape, fUlly documented.

3. Hostages
If a hostage situation occurs on board the vehicle, one transporting staff shall secure the
vehicle perimeter, while the other notifies the closest ICEIDRO office of the situation. The
staff shall make every effort to determine who is/are involved and whether armed, relaying
the information to the ICE/DRO office and the local law enforcement agencies. Under no
circumstances shall a transporting staff bargain with or take orders from the hostagetaker(s), regardless of the status or rank of the hostage(s).
The vehicle crew shall hold all residents on board until help arrives, assuming the hostagetaker(s) allow non-participants to disembark. Regardless of demands, the staff shall not
allow any hostage-taker(s) off the bus, with or without the hostages.
Transportation staff shall take no action to remedy a hostage situation, especially one that
would involve the use of force. The staff shall follow instructions from the jurisdictional
ICEIDRO office, which should include cooperating with other agencies.
A hostage situation shall effectively end a transportation assignment because ofthe need to
interview witnesses, examine the crime scene, etc. The transportation staff shall receive
instructions on how and where to proceed once the hostage situation is resolved.
The vehicle crew's incident report shall note participants, witnesses, action taken, etc.
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4. Illness
If a resident becomes ill while in transit, but the illness is not serious, the transporting staff
shall take appropriate action and alert the receiving office so it can prepare to handle the
situation.
If the illness requires immediate medical treatment, (for example, heart attack), staff shall
request assistance from the nearest emergency services and local law enforcement
agencies. The staff shall initiate life-saving procedures as appropriate, proceeding if security
permits. The closest ICE/ORO office shall prepare procurement paperwork and make
arrangements for hospitalization, security, etc.

5. Death
If a resident dies while in transit, transporting staff shall notify the originating or receiving
office as soon as possible, and follow the procedures specified in the Residential Standard
on Terminal Illness, Advance Directives, and Death.
The closest ICE/ORO office shall coordinate with other agencies, including the coroner,
required to be on the scene when the body is removed from the vehicle. This must take
place in the State where death occurred. The Residential Standard on Tenninallllness,
Advance Directives, and Death specffies the procedures with which the staff must comply.

6. Fire
In case of fire in or on the vehicle, the driver shall immediately stop the vehicle. The crew
shall fight the fire with the on-board equipment. If necessary, the staff shall request
assistance from the local fire department and law enforcement agency Ifthe fire forces the
occupants' evacuation of the vehicle, the crew is responsible for maintaining accountability
while removing the residents in orderly fashion.
J

7. Riots
If a riot, fight, or any disturbance occurs on the vehicle, the assistant driver shall order the
residents to cease and the driver shall attempt to move the vehicle to the side of the road. If
necessary, the crew shall request assistance from the local law enforcement agency. Efforts
should be made to determine the instigators, number of residents involved, names and Anumbers.
When sufficient assistance is available, the transporting staff shall attempt to regain control,
using only as much force as necessary. Staff may not enter the passenger area bearing
arms.
8. Traffic Accident
The facility administrator shall establish written procedures for vehicle crews involved in
traffic accidents.
9. Vehicie Failure
The facility administrator shall develop written procedures for transportation staff to follow
when the vehicle develops mechanical problems en route.
10. Natural Disasters
The facility administrator shall develop written procedures for transportation staffto follow in
severe weather or a natural disaster.
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11.Transporting Females and Children
The facility administrator shall develop written procedures for vehicle crews transporting
women and/or children.
Children may not be transported by bus if the trip would exceed six hours. Otherwise,
transportation by auto or van is required, with frequent breaks. When transporting children,
State laws regarding car seats shall be followed.
.
Adult females may be transported by bus for up to ten hours. Otherwise, transportation by
auto or van is required, with frequent breaks.
Staff shall search a resident of the opposite sex only in extreme circumstances, in the
absence of a same-sex staff.
When transporting residents ofthe opposite gender, it is good practice for staff to call in their
time of departure and odometer reading and then do so again upon arrival, to account for
their time.

12. Transporting Resident with Special Needs
Facility administrator shall develop written procedures for transporting residents with special
needs.

Standard Approved:

DEC 2 1 2007
J

n . Torres
Dire or
Office of Detention and Removal

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