Ysleta Land Port of Entry Head House

The United States General Services Administration (GSA) Special Programs Division (SPD) contracted with TSK to design this project consisting of demolishing an existing head house facility, paving three additional lanes where the facility stood, building out a new head house facility and tearing down area, and supporting the infrastructure for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel who work at this location.

The critical design issues for the LPOE Head House are security and control of individuals to and through the head house itself. Individuals will be brought through the front via an identifying space into a waiting area before being processed and detained. The detention area is adjacent to this space and includes search, interview, and holding cells. Exterior walls are fully grouted CMU with metal panels and brick veneer. All glazing meets facility security level III and includes tempered or laminated glazing. The movement and control of individuals and detainees in a safe manner was essential.