MEMO TO CLIENTS ISSUE 23-026 – December 22, 2023

Statement from CBP on Operational Changes and Resumption of Rail Operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso

December 22, 2023 

Dear Customer,

We’ve just received the below notification from US Customs.  

“To meet the challenge, we are currently seeing across the southwest border, CBP is continuing to use all available resources to ensure the safety and security of our agents and officers, and the migrants who are often misled and victimized by transnational criminal organizations. After observing a recent shift in the trends of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico, CBP took additional actions to surge personnel and address this concerning development, including in partnership with Mexican authorities. The Office of Field Operations has re-directed personnel and resources to support the U.S. Border Patrol as well as perform its critical functions including the security and facilitation of lawful trade and travel.

“Beginning December 22, 2023, at 2:00 PM Eastern, CBP’s Office of Field Operations will resume operations at the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.

“CBP will continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation. We continue to assess security situations, adjust our operational plans, and deploy resources to maximize enforcement efforts against those noncitizens who do not use lawful pathways or processes such as CBP One™ and those without a legal basis to remain in the United States.

“Over the past several weeks, CBP has made several operational adjustments to maximize our ability to respond, process, and enforce consequences. As of December 22:

  1. In Eagle PassTexas vehicular processing remains suspended at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1.
  2. In San Diego, California, San Ysidro’s Pedestrian West operations remain suspended.
  3. In Lukeville, Arizona, the Lukeville Port of Entry operations remain suspended.
  4. In Nogales, Arizona, the Morely Gate border crossing operations remain suspended.

 “Members of the traveling public can check operational status, including Port of Entry wait times here.”