SAN DIEGO–U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin lane closures starting at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry.
At least three northbound vehicle lanes at San Ysidro and one lane at Otay Mesa will be closed to install and pre-position port hardening infrastructure equipment in preparation for the migrant caravan and the potential safety and security risk that it could cause, according to Customs and Border Protection.
“CBP has been and will continue to prepare for the potential arrival of thousands of people migrating in a caravan heading towards the border of the United States,” said Pete Flores, Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “These preparations include training exercises, deploying additional CBP personnel, and partnering with the U.S. military to harden our ports of entry and the border area between those legal crossings into the U.S.”
Department of Defense personnel are installing concertina wire, and pre-positioning jersey barriers, barricades, and fencing as requested by Customs and Border Protection under Operation Secure Line.
Customs and Border Protection will provide an update when the materials are removed and the lanes re-opened, however it is not anticipated to take place until sometime after people in the caravan arrive to the border. Officials recommend that persons traveling northbound to the U.S. anticipate possible increased wait times because of the lane closures.
“CBP officials in charge at our local border crossings must always maintain security while we work to efficiently process legitimate trade and travel into the U.S.,” said Flores. “The materials will be used to help strengthen border security, to ensure the safety of the American people, the traveling public, CBP personnel and the communities in which we serve.”