REP. JUAN VARGAS’ STATEMENT ON THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PORT OF ENTRY WAIT TIMES CREATED BY CBP OPERATIONAL CHANGES
San Diego, CA (August 24, 2020) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement in response to new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operational changes causing significant increases in wait times at San Ysidro (SYPOE), Otay Mesa and Calexico West Land Ports of Entry.
"This morning, we are hearing reports that operational changes at ports of entry across my district are causing more than double the average wait time for essential travelers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. This comes after the CBP announced that their new changes would only be implemented during peak, non-essential travel times, in efforts to discourage leisure travelers from traveling to and from Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The CBP operational changes were put into place without regard to how this affects our essential workers. Healthcare and hospital support staff, farmworkers, grocery employees, are all being affected by the increased wait times. Essential workers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border must be able to cross efficiently, as they are critical to keeping our economy afloat.
"It is also important that people limit their border crossing to essential matters. We are in the middle of a pandemic and should follow all travel and health guidelines set forth by the CDC."
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County, and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.