On Thursday, I met with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers to tour the Otay Mesa and San Ysidro Ports of Entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. This visit provided valuable insights into the operations and challenges faced by our CBP officers.
During my trip, I received an overview briefing from the U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector. I learned of the ongoing replacement projects within the border infrastructure system, including primary and secondary barriers, border access roads, and advanced technologies such as autonomous surveillance towers, radar systems, and small unmanned aerial systems.
America is a nation of immigrants, and our Valley represents that strength. However, we must fix our immigration and border systems to protect our CBP officers, Central Valley residents, and all Americans. I was proud to tour the Otay Mesa and San Ysidro facilities and learn firsthand from our brave CBP officers about the challenges they face securing our borders and combating drug trafficking. Additionally, I learned how Congress can best support these challenges at the ports of entry and along our border.
The Otay Mesa Port of Entry is the busiest commercial port in California and processes over $50 billion in exports and imports, including many for and from our residents. In January 2024, a $134 million modernization and expansion project of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection facility will mitigate logistical issues and benefit our Central Valley farmers and residents.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere and the 4th busiest globally. Along with legal trade and lawful entries, there has been a significant increase in illegal border crossings, fugitive arrests, and fentanyl and other drug seizures. Congressman Duarte continues to advocate for more funding to combat the opioid epidemic by supporting the communities by providing financial and judicial support to get drug traffickers and drugs off our streets and individuals struggling with addiction the help they need.