U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced this week that it will temporarily suspend and reduce vehicle processing at certain ports of entry into the country along the southern border.
According to CBP, ports at entry in Texas and Arizona will pause processing vehicles coming into the country due to the surge in migrant encounters.
The move comes as CBP is sending officials to assist border patrol taking illegal immigrants into custody.
“In response to this influx in encounters, we will continue to surge all available resources to expeditiously and safely process migrants,” the statement 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.”
Several agencies along the southern border have seen major spikes in immigrant encounters over the past few weeks.
Along with the crossings, agents have seized 117 pounds of fentanyl, filed 78 federal criminal cases, made 17 rescues, and intercepted 14 human smuggling events and three narcotics events.
“Due to recent increase in the number of immigrant crossings, Bridge 1 will suspend northbound operations (Mexico to United States) effective November 27, 2023 3pm and until further notice,” the city of Eagle Pass, Texas said. “This decision was made by the federal Government and NOT the City of Eagle Pass. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”