What is the first step when a request for political asylum is received?

The first step when a request for political asylum is received involves informing the relevant authorities, in this case, ECC Seven Bridges telephonically. This step is essential because it ensures that the appropriate agencies are alerted to the situation, allowing for the coordination of resources and processes required to handle asylum requests.

In the context of security and legal protocols, notifying the ECC is a critical action because these facilities typically have established procedures and personnel trained to handle such sensitive matters. This initial communication helps to maintain the integrity of the process and ensures that the individual’s request is handled according to established legal and humanitarian guidelines.

The other options present actions that could potentially compromise the asylum process or violate an individual's rights. For instance, placing someone in a holding cell or escorting them to a secure facility may not be appropriate without first assessing the situation and following legal protocol. Conducting a detailed interrogation might infringe on the person's rights and would not be the correct protocol before establishing the legitimacy of the asylum request. Therefore, notifying ECC Seven Bridges is the most appropriate and legally sound first step.