TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with the Department of Defense, is conducting readiness exercises at the Port of San Luis similar to those at the Port of Nogales, which may lead to temporary suspensions of port activity.
In preparation for the migrant caravan, these soft closures could cause temporary delays to cross-border traffic, but will occur primarily in unused lanes. Exercises will include the expeditious tactical movement of personnel, equipment, and temporary infrastructure throughout the port.
“Temporary suspension of port operations may occur during the exercises. We ask the border communities to be patient and understanding,” said Port Director John Schwamm, “As we prepare to protect the traveling public, our community and our CBP personnel from possible assaultive caravan members.”
With DoD’s support, CBP has been hardening the Port of San Luis and areas surrounding it with concertina wire, stacking conex boxes to act as barriers, and pre-positioning jersey barriers and barricades. In addition to infrastructure improvements, readiness exercises help strengthen border security and ensure the safety of the American people, the traveling public, CBP personnel, and local communities.
CBP continues to remind asylum seekers to present themselves at the ports of entry in an orderly manner to prevent delays in their processing. CBP officers responsible for local border crossings must put security and safety first while processing legitimate trade and travel into the United States.
Regardless of operational contingencies, CBP officers will ensure border security while conducting themselves in accordance with the highest standards of law enforcement.
For the latest information regarding CBP port operations in Arizona follow @CBPArizona on Twitter.
Travelers can monitor border wait times via https://bwt.cbp.gov/index.html or obtain the BWT app on smartphones via the Apple App Store and at Google Play. Wait times are updated hourly.