WESLACO - A new lawsuit challenging immigration detention periods was is underway.

The government has 72 hours to process immigrants arriving at the border; big crowds mean that’s not always possible.

Space, human resources, and logistics mean many immigrants are left in the processing center for a long period of time.

A new lawsuit contends this situation can leave migrants legally vulnerable.

In March, CHANNEL 5 NEWS and The Monitor surveyed 100 immigrants released by Border Patrol; over 60% were held for five days or more. 

The Rio Grande Valley sector saw the largest number of immigrants in the country last month, leading to reduced space and outpaced the number of agents that could help.

In April, the Homeland Security Advisory Council recommended changes involving space that eventually led to temporary immigration tents. 

Immigration attorney, Jaime Diez, says if immigrants were released or even sent to a detention facility, they could get legal counsel.

A lawsuit was filed that informed the courts if the long processing times, seeking to make any immigrant who falls into a similar situation eligible for the lawsuit.

For more information watch the video above.