Due to an increase in migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporarily closed the Pedestrian West crossing in San Ysidro to redirect Border Patrol agents. This move has prompted reactions from local leaders.
Beginning at 6 a.m. on December 9, CBP’s Office of Field Operations temporarily suspended operations at the Pedestrian West crossing to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in taking migrants into custody.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he urged the federal government to reconsider, even contacting Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
“I spoke with Secretary Mayorkas today and urged him to reconsider diverting personnel away from the nation’s busiest border crossing, which will suspend operations at one of San Diego’s port of entries,” Gloria said.
“Reducing staffing levels during the busiest time of the year will deal an enormous blow to San Diego’s economy and upend the holiday season for families who celebrate together on both sides of the border.”
Over the weekend, workers at Las Americas Premium Outlets reported waiting in line for up to five hours to cross the border from Mexico to the U.S. to get to work.
“This underscores the urgency of passing President Biden’s supplemental funding request, which will add resources to keep our border secure while enabling the efficient cross-border flow of goods and people that are integral to our region’s commerce and culture,” Gloria said.
This move was prompted by what CBP claims is an increased movement “fueled by smugglers peddling disinformation to prey on vulnerable individuals and encourage migration.”
The agency will open as many lanes as possible at the Pedestrian East and Otay Mesa crossings to accommodate the potential increase in crossers at those locations, a statement released by CBP read.
“In response to this influx in encounters, we will continue to surge all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants,” a statement from Customs and Border Protection read. “We will maximize consequences against those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. CBP will continue to prioritize our border security mission as
necessary in response to this evolving situation.”
The move in San Ysidro is one of many by CBP due to an influx in migration. It recently suspended operations at the International Bridge 1 in Eagle Pass, Texas, and at the Lukeville, Arizona, border crossing.
Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, reiterated that closing the pedestrian crossing would be significant to the economy and people’s lives.
“PedWest plays a key role in both the regional economy and the efficient flow of travelers in our binational region,” Peters said.
“Indefinitely closing PedWest as we head into the holidays is not only a significant blow to local businesses, but also to families who plan to spend the season on both sides of the border. “
“While we understand that CBP’s resources are stretched thin, there must be better alternatives for shifting resources than shutting down a large part of the busiest border crossing on the planet,” he said. “This closure and the shortage of CBP staff is yet another reason why passing President Biden’s supplemental funding request is so urgent.”