U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Texas and New Mexico are preparing for more visitors heading to Mexico when Pope Francis visits next month.
CBP officials in El Paso on Thursday announced an increase in staffing and service hours at ports of entry in the days before, during and after the pope's Feb. 17 visit. Pope Francis will be in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, across the border from El Paso.
The changes involve entry ports in El Paso and Tornillo, Texas, plus Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Travelers are advised to expect delays and plan ahead.
The Bridge of the Americas cargo facility will close at 2 p.m. MST on Feb. 16 and resume normal operations Feb. 19. Cargo hours are being expanded at the Ysleta/Zaragosa and the Santa Teresa facilities.
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