CBP ready for influx of visitors at Ports of Entry Christmas Weekend

Thousands of people are expected to be crossing the border this Christmas weekend, with numbers expected to double from normal crossings.

Customs and Border Protection officers estimate 60,000 cars and 40,000 pedestrians will cross each day during the holiday season.

“This is one of the busiest times of the year at area ports. Being fully prepared for the inspection process and knowing when lanes are open will help,” said Hector Mancha, CBP Director of Field Operation in El Paso in a statement.

“CBP is working to move travelers through our area crossings as quickly as possible while still maintaining our priority homeland security mission,” he said.

Although the bridges were empty the night of the Pope’s visit to Juarez, that may not be repeated this weekend.

“That’s not going to be the case this year,” Roger Maier, a CBP public information officer said.

The city is partnering with CBP to help fund lane openings. The extra money will keep more lanes open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve; from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Even with CBP helping, remember, it’s also our job to make sure we don’t hold up the line. Have your documents ready, and keep in mind, some leftovers, no matter how tasty, can’t be allowed into the U.S.

“Avocados are a prohibited item we see often, guayabas are common this time of the year. Ham products are not allowed, raw poultry because of Newcastle disease is a concern,” Maier said, “If you declare something and it’s a prohibited item you have the opportunity to abandon it without consequence. if you don’t declare something and we find it during an inspection you can be subject to a penalty.”

Penalties can cost you up to $300.

CBP is also asking the public for its help, saying cooperation between both parties will make everyone’s crossing easier. People should make sure they’re not bringing prohibited items like certain fruits and vegetables.

CBP does have a mobile app on both systems that is meant to show current wait times. You can also monitor the traffic at the downtown and Ysleta bridges through city cameras on this website.