Arizonans face increasing delays at border crossings as Mexican troops begin heightened inspections
YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — With spring break just around the corner, travelers should prepare for longer wait times at some ports of entry.
The Mexican National Guard has begun inspecting vehicles crossing in and out of Mexico, leading to potential delays for tourists and commuters.
The increased security measures stem from an agreement with Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum and President Donald Trump to prevent tariffs from taking effect.
Sheinbaum pledged to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to border cities to stop the flow of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S.
The heightened security measures are leading to longer border wait times.
Travelers in Lukeville reported long lines over the holiday weekend at the Lukeville-Sonoyta port of entry.
LATEST: Immigration and border news affecting Arizona
Phoenix resident Octavio Maldonado said he took a day trip to Sonoyta on Saturday and was inspected both when entering and leaving Mexico.
“We were there for two and half hours to go into Mexico,” said Maldonado.
He said he had heard about the security measures and came prepared for the inspections.
“Once we got there they took us off the vehicle and inspected us and asked us a few questions. We were lucky to not have a huge line, but I did hear the next day there was a three to four hour wait,” said Maldonado.
He said everything went smoothly and the Mexican troops were respectful.
“They are taking care of the border. I completely understand. We gotta look at both sides of the coin,” Maldonado said.
The longer wait times have people second-guessing their travel plans, but Octavio said he was not bothered by the delay.
“For me and my family, it’s worth it. We love it. We love going down there and spending the money with locals to help out. I think they’ve been impacted greatly in the past years. They do benefit greatly from us going. Obviously, if it does get more hectic than this we might have to think twice,” said Maldonado.
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