U.S. Customs And Border Protection Remains Vigilant Through West Texas Snowstorm
By: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Updated: January 4, 2013
EL PASO, TEXAS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at El Paso area ports of entry maintained their vigilance and attention to detail while a winter storm passed through New Mexico and West Texas Thursday. Their efforts resulted in numerous drug seizures, illegal immigration intercepts and fugitive apprehensions.
Traffic was light and wait times were shorter than normal during the storm. CBP officers maintained close contact with their Mexican counterparts to monitor the condition of the international bridges connecting the two nations. They also worked with local officials to insure that bridges were treated with sand regularly to address snow and slippery conditions. No major weather related incidents were reported.
"CBP officers working outdoors in the most uncomfortable weather conditions remain focused on their important homeland security mission," said David Higgerson, acting Director of Field Operation in El Paso. "All area ports remained open to vehicular, commercial and pedestrian traffic while snow and freezing conditions hindered travel throughout the El Paso area."
CBP officers working at the El Paso port of entry and area border crossings Thursday made three marijuana seizures. They confiscated 455 pounds of marijuana in those cases. Area CBP officers also recorded 10 immigration violations Thursday including the interception of six intended immigrants. Three fugitives were taken into custody by CBP officers screening arriving traffic. Area CBP officers also seized prohibited agriculture items from four border crossers during a stormy Thursday, assessing $625 in penalties.
Travelers interested in current border crossing conditions at area ports of entry can check the CBP website for hourly updates. Directions for a mobile application can be found here.
Traffic was light and wait times were shorter than normal during the storm. CBP officers maintained close contact with their Mexican counterparts to monitor the condition of the international bridges connecting the two nations. They also worked with local officials to insure that bridges were treated with sand regularly to address snow and slippery conditions. No major weather related incidents were reported.
"CBP officers working outdoors in the most uncomfortable weather conditions remain focused on their important homeland security mission," said David Higgerson, acting Director of Field Operation in El Paso. "All area ports remained open to vehicular, commercial and pedestrian traffic while snow and freezing conditions hindered travel throughout the El Paso area."
CBP officers working at the El Paso port of entry and area border crossings Thursday made three marijuana seizures. They confiscated 455 pounds of marijuana in those cases. Area CBP officers also recorded 10 immigration violations Thursday including the interception of six intended immigrants. Three fugitives were taken into custody by CBP officers screening arriving traffic. Area CBP officers also seized prohibited agriculture items from four border crossers during a stormy Thursday, assessing $625 in penalties.
Travelers interested in current border crossing conditions at area ports of entry can check the CBP website for hourly updates. Directions for a mobile application can be found here.
