Forensic Competency Evaluation (FCE) Program

Since 2021, EOIR has administered the Forensic Competency Evaluation (FCE) Program. EOIR contracts with a network of mental health professionals to provide evaluations by qualified mental health professionals when ordered by an immigration judge. Program services are provided to individuals who qualify under the Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder class action litigation (which covers unrepresented, detained individuals in Arizona, California, and Washington).

FCEs are an important tool to aid immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals in making competency determinations where there is insufficient evidence in the record to do so otherwise.