CBP Suspends Bridge of the Americas Operations Amid Migrant Flow

Due to the increased flow of migrants, the US Customs Border Patrol (CPB) announced the temporary suspension of operations at Bridge of the Americas cargo lot for indeterminate time starting Sept. 18. The Bridge of the Americas connects Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, with El Paso, Texas. CBP's Office of Field Operations officers will assist the US Border Patrol in processing migrants, which will cost millions of dollars. 

The migrant crisis grew significantly from June to July 2023, with a 33.2% increase from 99,539 to 132,652 people. The surge in traffic led CBP to close cargo operations at BOTA, representing a significant loss for trade since it is estimated that 600 commercial vehicles cross the border daily. The transit of these vehicles is valued at US$33 million per day.

The CBP press release states that trade community members may consider using nearby crossing points in Chihuahua, such as Ysleta, Santa Teresa or Marcelino Serna as an alternative during service suspension. 

Meanwhile, Governor of Chihuahua María Eugenia Campos urged the Federal Government to resolve the crisis generated by the arrival of foreign migrants, alleging that authorities have the powers to address this issue.

In a press release, the Mexican Foreign Ministry (SRE) states that it has been in permanent communication with CBP authorities at federal and local levels. SRE expects that in view of the unilateral measure taken by the US, operations at the Bridge of the Americas will be re-established within the next two to three days.

The Bridge of the Americas is the only free bridge in El Paso and over the last few years, it has seen significant congestion that has led to difficulties in supporting this increased traffic volume. As a result, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar previously mentioned that through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the General Services Administration (GSA) set aside between US$650 million and US$700 million for the Bridge of the Americas to modernize its facilities.

The Mexican government has also made efforts to modernize the border's infrastructure and equipment at its border crossings and customs under the Border XXI Century project.