Border dwellers and businesses can sigh a breath of relief as the San Ysidro PedWest border crossing will welcome pedestrians again this Thursday. Previously closed due to operational shifts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the key gateway will resume its services, running northbound from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and southbound from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. This change is expected to barely ease the substantial waiting times experienced by crossers at the alternative PedEast crossing.
In a statement expected by the San Diego Union-Tribune, CBP clarified that it will continue to adjust its operational plans to prioritize border security, especially targeting individuals who attempt to circumvent lawful entry procedures. While managing a migration surge, the agency focused on "those noncitizens who do not use lawful pathways or processes – such as scheduling an appointment via CBP One™ – and those without a legal basis to remain in the United States."
The reopening follows a rollercoaster period for PedWest; the crossing first shut down in September, briefly resumed in November, and only to be closed again in early December. The official CBP statement notes that restarting operations in San Ysidro and other points like Eagle Pass, Texas, and Arizona's Lukeville and Nogales mark the agency's strategic response to dynamic border situations.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria took to X post to express his gratitude, stating, "We’ve been pushing to reopen this busy border crossing that’s so critical to our economy and our families," and thanked President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas for "heeding our call." San Diego County officials had previously highlighted that, since October, some 65,000 migrants have been processed by the Border Patrol and released into the county, with the majority eventually heading to other destinations within the United States.
We’ve been pushing to reopen this busy border crossing that’s so critical to our economy and our families.
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) January 3, 2024
I thank @POTUS and @SecMayorkas for heeding our call. https://t.co/FhcCNPDWiZ
In a meeting with local CBP leaders, Smart Border Coalition Executive Director Joaquin Luken called the news of reopening "great" for businesses and those who rely on the border for their everyday travel.
