Recently the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced Customs and Border Patrol agents would be relocated from ports of entry to other parts of the border in response to migrant surges.
Most people don’t realize the impact to border cities and towns like Douglas and Nogales. The reassignment means several entry lanes at the ports of entry form Mexico to America will be shut down at various times. This has led to severely increased border wait times for shoppers, visitors, and most importantly – commercial truck traffic.
Douglas Mayor Huish wrote a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas describing the effects on the City of Douglas of this policy. Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado was interviewed by Channel 13 news and spoke of the long lines and delays at the Nogales port of entry along with the economic impacts.
For border towns and cities, Arizona, and businesses the increased distress at the border is providing additional concerns for the economic vitality of the region. If you live or work near the border, or your business is dependent on trade with Mexico, you may wish to contact the city or town at the port of entry you frequent and provide comments to Secretary Mayorkas about your concerns and experiences.
You may check border crossing wait times at the website provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.