Downtown traffic affected after CBP installs barbed wire at the Bridge of the Americas

More barbed wire is going up at El Paso ports of entry and that led to some traffic problems for those trying to cross into Mexico on Friday.

Customs and Border Protection announced Thursday night that it’s putting up cement guardrails that have barbed wire on it.

CBP is doing this at all of El Paso’s ports of entry in preparation for what CBP says is an increasing numbers of migrants arriving in Juarez.

CBP says it’s necessary to ensure the ports of entry are not overrun by a large number of people attempting to enter the U.S. illegally,

Thursday night, the barbed wire was installed at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in downtown El Paso, and on Friday morning the barriers went up at the Bridge of the Americas.

BOTA was closed for a short while, so drivers trying to get into Mexico were detoured over to the Stanton port of entry.

That caused a gridlock as Stanton street was lined with vehicles trying to get into Mexico.

CBP had stated that there would be some temporary disruptions at ports of entry while the concrete barriers were being installed.

“Members of the traveling public may notice that CBP is taking a proactive approach to prevent the unlawful entry of persons into the United States at our ports of entry,” said Hector Mancha, CBP Director of Field Operations in El Paso.

“Waiting until a large group of persons mass at the border to attempt an illegal crossing is too late for us; it is vital that we are prepared prior to when they arrive at the border crossing. The safety and security of our communities, members of the traveling public, international trade, CBP personnel and our facilities is paramount.”

CBP also says that no additional officers were brought in to help with the installation process.

A CBP spokesman says they are relying on existing El Paso port of entry personnel.