TUCSON, Ariz. – Travelers using U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Port of Raul H. Castro, in Douglas, Arizona may experience travel delays due to vehicle lane closures.
Vehicle lanes approaching the United States from Mexico may be reduced at the Port of Raul H. Castro following an increase of asylum seeking migrants using vehicles lanes to circumvent the immigration process.
Other Arizona ports of entry earlier this week experienced this same issue in which asylum seekers without proper documentation attempted to evade inspection and cause disruption to normal operations. This resulted in lane closures and increased wait times.
In partnership with CBP, the Government of Mexico will increase their presence and enforcement efforts to prevent the incursions from occurring. State and local law enforcement agencies will also assist with security efforts.
Guadalupe Ramirez, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, states, “Non-compliance with proper procedures overwhelms the ports of entry and jeopardizes the safety and security of our employees and public. We will not allow ports to be overrun, and are prepared for large groups and caravans attempting to violate our security measures.”
Should attempted incursions continue, the reduction of lanes may continue to increase security measures.
CBP officials understand and recognize the importance of the holiday season and the impact these enforcement measures will have to the local community and State of Arizona; however, the reduction of lanes and reallocation of officers for security measures may be necessary.
CBP has seen mass incursion attempts at the ports of entry previously, some of which were used as diversions by criminal organizations attempting to smuggle illicit items across the border.
Travelers may see officers exercising security measures in Douglas over the next few days for operational security readiness.
For the most current information on port wait times visit www.bwt.cbp.gov.