TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Baja Border Crossing

The following was taken from The Monitor Newspaper in McAllen, Texas. (The Monitor )

Since the Border Patrol is a federal agency, I am sure that much longer crossing times into the USA can be expected. It might be wise to plan your trips accordingly.

I would expect this to be the same at both the Canadian borders entering into the USA as well as at airports. I would also expect the same to be true all along the border, including and probably especially from Baja into San Diego. The dates of implementation may be different by a few days, but it will be happening.

Just a “heads-up”

Regards,

Robt65



McALLEN — Border Patrol agents began receiving furlough notices Thursday, which warn U.S. Customs and Border Protection may start assigning agents unpaid leave — called furlough days — on April 21.

From April 21 to Sept. 30, Border Patrol agents could face up to 14 furlough days, according to the memo. Local Border Patrol agents provided a copy to The Monitor. Identical notices have been posted online by National Border Patrol Council Unions.

Reductions mandated by sequestration will necessitate furloughs, hiring freezes and elimination of overtime pay for a significant portion of our frontline law enforcement personnel, which will impact staffing levels in Texas,” according to a March 4 letter from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to Texas Gov. Rick Perry. “As sequestration is implemented, you can expect to see increased wait times at our nation’s airports and ports of entry, which will have serious consequences for flow of trade and travel.”

For example, fewer customs agents will mean longer waits at international bridges.

In Laredo, so called “average peak wait times” during summer and holiday travel could exceed five to six hours, according to Napolitano’s letter. In Houston, wait times for international flights will increase up to 50 percent.

Border Patrol Agents do not usually staff the inspection booths, those are CBP agents.

You can avoid those lines by using SENTRI and NEXUS