ICE Developing New Secure Docket Card for Migrants Arriving at the U.S. Border

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently developing a Secure Docket Card (SDC) for issuance to migrants at the U.S. border and in detention centers. An ICE spokesperson stated that, “The ICE Secure Docket Card (SDC) program is part of a pilot program to modernize various forms of documentation provided to provisionally released noncitizens through a consistent, verifiable, secure card. The secure card will contain a photo, biographic identifiers, and cutting-edge security features to the mutual benefit of the government and noncitizens." The SDC card may eventually be accepted for travel by the Transportation Services Agency (TSA). ICE is expected to launch the pilot program by the end of 2022. The SDC will allow foreign nationals to both better communicate changes in their information to U.S. immigration agencies as well as stay informed of developments in their pending cases. More importantly, the SDC is expected to reduce the number of foreign nationals in detention centers.