CBP moves vehicle operations downtown
U.S. Customs and Border Protection transitioned vehicle processing operations on Tuesday from the existing Calexico downtown port of entry to a new inspectional facility, following the completion of Phase 1 of a two-phase expansion and modernization project.
The new, expansive facility will allow CBP officers to process more efficiently and effectively the more than 4.3 million vehicles that enter the United States through the downtown port of entry, with the goal of increased security and traffic throughput.
CBP employees conduct a variety of activities at this facility, including the screening of arriving vehicles and passengers, processing individuals for trusted traveler programs and inspecting personal merchandise.
“The new vehicle-processing facility reflects our commitment to border security, as well as to economic prosperity in the region,” said Area Port Director David Salazar. “It enhances our ability to ensure the flow of legitimate international travel while safeguarding the Imperial Valley from terrorism, dangerous narcotics, human trafficking and other criminal threats.”
CBP officials in Calexico opened 10 new northbound vehicle lanes at the new facility at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and, following the operational transition, fully ceased vehicle processing at the existing downtown port.
Vehicles entering the United States through the new facility will continue to have access to Imperial Avenue/State Route 111 and Second Street in Calexico.
Pedestrian crossing at the Calexico downtown port of entry remains unchanged.
Phase 1 of the Calexico port of entry expansion project consists of five southbound vehicle lanes and a southbound bridge over the New River, 10 northbound vehicle lanes with primary and secondary inspection canopies, booths and state of the art inspection technologies, a new head house, and site work to accommodate those facilities on the sloping site.
Phase 2 of the project is currently unfunded. It will include additional site work, demolition of the existing port building, a new pedestrian processing facility, administrative offices, and six additional northbound vehicle inspection lanes.