CBP: Paso Del Norte Port of Entry never closed Monday morning

A spokesperson with Customs and Border Protection told ABC-7 Monday the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry was not closed Monday morning, as reported by some on social media and a local news station.

The port of entry is commonly referred to as the “Santa Fe Bridge” because of its proximity to Santa Fe Street in Downtown El Paso.

“A temporary stoppage of traffic processing at the boundary line is not a closure,” said CBP spokesman, “While some CBP officers are performing operational readiness exercises, which includes limiting access, other CBP officers at the primary inspection booths are concurrently processing arriving pedestrians and cars that have already crossed the line and are the U.S. side of the boundary. That certainly is not the definition of closed.”

An ABC-7 reporter at the port of entry reported seeing pedestrians and vehicles entering the U.S. from Mexico.

A CPB spokesman says it is currently monitoring the caravan of Central American migrants on its way to the U.S. “We continually assess the capabilities of our facilities throughout the Southwest border and have been making – and will continue to make – necessary preparations. These include participating in operational readiness exercises and the mobilization of resources as needed to ensure the facilitation of lawful trade and travel,” Jauregui said.

The spokesman said the federal agency will be reinforcing staffing well in advance to ensure border security. “We will not allow a large group to enter the US unlawfully; we will act in accordance with the highest principles of law enforcement; and we will treat intending migrants humanely and professionally at all times. CBP’s highest priority is the safety and security of the American people, the traveling public, CBP personnel and the communities in which we serve.”

CBP agents were seen performing “operational readiness exercises” Monday morning.Video captured by Netnoticias.mx shows traffic blocked by orange barricades as two groups of agents make formations with riot gear in hand.