Governor Hochul scolds decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to reduce hours of operation of over 30 ports of entry
A total of 38 ports of entry across the northern border are due to see a reduction in their hours of operations come January 6.
Here in New York, four of these ports will have their hours slashed and the move has drawn up backlash from the Governor’s office.
New York:
- Chateauguay will reduce its operating hours from 24 hours to 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Overton Corners will reduce its operating hours from 24 hours to 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Rouses Point will reduce its operating hours from 24 hours to 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Trout River will reduce its operating hours from 24 hours to 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
“I strongly oppose the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) decision to reduce operating hours at four crossings on New York’s border with Canada,” Kathy Hochul said.
“While the Biden-Harris Administration has achieved measurable success in enhancing southern border security, New York is experiencing a dramatic increase in irregular crossings along our northern border.”
According to CBP officials, the decision is intended to allow an increase for border security, while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions.
With that said, Governor Hochul says New York is witnessing a dramatic increase in crossings along the northern border and federal support is critical in order to meet the magnitude of migration.
CBP officials say that the vast majority of nearly 120 northern border entry points will continue operating with 24/7 crossings.
Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
