CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today that they are revising the standard hours of operation at the Calexico East port of entry. Beginning on Monday, June 3, the East port will operate from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.
For more than a decade, the Calexico East port of entry has opened at 3 a.m. on weekdays to offer another option for travelers who would otherwise cross into the United States in the early morning hours through the downtown Calexico port of entry.
However, statistics have shown that there is not enough commuter traffic during this timeframe to justify the extended early morning hours and increase in operating costs.
“We have observed a consistent increase in traffic throughput downtown at the new vehicle inspection facility,” said Area Port Director David Salazar. “During the construction of the new vehicle inspection facility the extended hours at the East port helped to alleviate congestion at the downtown port. We no longer have that issue. We will continue to effectively manage wait times at both locations to enhance the border crossing experience for travelers in the Imperial Valley.”
In response to increased demand, CBP will be expanding the operational hours for SENTRI traffic at the Calexico East port of entry by two hours in the evenings. Effective June 3, SENTRI hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Beginning June 3, the hours of operation at the Calexico East passenger port of entry will be as follows:
- Passenger vehicle lanes – 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
- SENTRI vehicle lanes – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
- Pedestrian facility – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
At the Calexico East port of entry, approximately 20 percent of travelers use the SENTRI program, which provides dedicated vehicle lanes and expedited processing at various ports of entry on the Southwest border for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
For more information on SENTRI and other available Trusted Traveler Programs, please visit CBP’s Trusted Traveler site.
Travelers may also consult the CBP website to monitor border wait times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light usage and or shorter waits.