CBP to Start Pulling Officers From Seaports, Northern Border in Coming Weeks

CBP plans to start moving officers from the Northern Border and seaports to help deal with the influx of migrants at the Southern Border, the agency said during an April 11 call. "The current plans call for pulling agents from airports starting April 14 as replacements for officers concluding their 30-day shifts," according to a National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America description of remarks by CBP officials. "On April 28, the agency intends to pull replacements from the Northern Border, as well. If a third wave of replacements is needed in May, the agency will tap ocean ports for officers to fill in for the 545 officers on duty. Assuming the manpower needs remain constant, the plan calls for pulling 245 officers from the Southern Border and 300 officers from other locations," the NCBFAA said.

CBP officials also discussed some Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism issues, the NCBFAA said. "While they are working with Mexico regarding the treatment of trucks on their side affected by the delays, once a CTPAT truck gets to the CBP compound on the US side, it will get preference if at all logistically possible under the circumstances," CBP told the NCBFAA. "CBP noted that wait times are shorter in the morning and CBP suggests getting CTPAT trucks to the border as early as possible to enhance the chances of getting preferred processing. In addition, no FAST lanes have or will be closed."

CBP said the Southern Border issues are "are seriously straining its budget and they fully expect that, absent any relief, it will significantly impact its service this summer," according to the NCBFAA. CBP didn't comment on the plans and the call was closed to the press.