CBP setting up temporary “processing center” at Tornillo Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is setting up a temporary facility at the Tornillo Port of Entry in southeast El Paso County.

The goal is to provide additional capacity for families and unaccompanied children in CBP custody at the ports and stations in the El Paso area.

Those in CBP custody are awaiting transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for processing, detention, or removal.

In Fiscal Year 2016, total apprehensions by the Border Patrol, on our southwest border, between ports of entry, numbered 408,870, Jeh Johnson, the secretary of Homeland Security, said in a recent border security report.

Southwest Border Apprehensions (Homeland Security Data)

Fiscal Year 2015:

Unaccompanied children – 39,970 Family members – 39,838 Individuals – 251,525 Total – 331,333

Fiscal Year 2016:

Unaccompanied children – 59,692 Family members – 77,674 Individuals – 271,504 Total – 408,870

“The demographics of illegal migration on our southern border has changed significantly over the last 15 years,” Johnson said, “Far fewer Mexicans and single adults are attempting to cross the border without authorization, but more families and unaccompanied children are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.”

In 2014, Central Americans apprehended on the southern border outnumbered Mexicans for the first time, Johnson said, adding, “Unaccompanied children and families have presented new challenges in our immigration system.

The temporary site in Tornillo will be able to hold up to 500 people, officials said. CBP officers, assisted by contractors onsite, will ensure all of the basic needs of those in custody are met.

The agency will assess the needs of those in custody, and if needed, is prepared to add housing, beds, toilets and bathing facilities.

The facility will be operational within a week, officials said.