US Customs Launches Radio Station For Border Crossers

People crossing between the U.S. and Mexico will now be able to tune in to a radio broadcast for the latest border crossing information, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.

CPB announced Friday that the pilot AM radio broadcast system will be at two ports of entry: the Ysleta in El Paso, and the Lincoln-Juarez in Laredo, Texas.

Officials said the system will be in place to communicate important information to border crossers, like document requirements, how to use high-tech travel cars, rules and regulations. Listeners will also be able to tune in to emergency information as well.

The Ysleta transmitter, which only has a range of a few miles, began broadcasting at noon Friday, and the 10-watt signal can be found on AM 530.

?In addition to recent physical and technological upgrades at our ports of entry, CBP is always exploring options to better communicate with travelers,? said Ana B. Hinojosa, CBP El Paso director of field operations. ?With this has come the idea of CBP border radio, an AM radio station CBP will use to broadcast pertinent, bilingual travel information on a 24/7 basis and emergency information if necessary.?

CPB said it will monitor the effectiveness of the broadcast and it could lead to additional stations along the border.