Cargo processing at a major U.S.-Mexico border crossing has been put on temporary hold.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 18, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s El Paso Office of Field Operations temporarily suspended cargo processing at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry in Laredo, Texas. The BOTA cargo lot is typically open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
During the suspension of service members of the trade community may consider the nearby Ysleta, Santa Teresa, or Marcelino Serna (Tornillo) cargo facilities as alternative entry points.
The temporary suspension at BOTA will allow CBP’s Office of Field Operations officers to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in processing noncitizens who have arrived between the ports of entry including vulnerable populations like families and unaccompanied children. CBP regularly plans for and executes contingency measures, such as this, to support the overarching agency mission and ensure the safety and well-being of those in the agency’s custody, according to a statement from the agency.
CBP will remain in communication with stakeholders and provide updates related to these contingency plans as they become available. The agency will work to return to normal operations as quickly as feasible.
This land port connects with the Mexican land port of “Cordova” in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and is one of four crossings in El Paso.
Members of the trade and traveling public can also monitor border wait times at the CBP website. Information is updated hourly.
