U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has notified the trade community to expect increased wait times as a result of lane closures across our Southwest border ports of entry. In a press release dated March 27, 2019, U.S. CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan noted, “CBP is facing an unprecedented humanitarian and border security crisis along our Southwest Border.” Per the release, “Up to 750 CBP officers from ports of entry along the Southwest border will soon be supporting Border Patrol with care and custody of migrants.” It is expected that the relocation of these officers will have a detrimental impact at all Southwest border ports of entry, including Mexico border crossings. The public can monitor wait times using the BWT – CBP Border Wait Times website.

As CBP repositions officers to deal with the immigration issues, the threat of closing the border completely to trade and immigration has been proposed and is being considered by the U.S. administration. Businesses should begin to evaluate their business continuity plans should the border be closed to trade.

MIQ Logistics will continue to monitor the Southwest border status and provide updates as they become available.

For more information, please contact your local MIQ Logistics representative.