DHS extends border restrictions with Mexico and Canada

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- The Department of Homeland Security is extending border restrictions for 30 more days.

"Based on the success of the existing restrictions and the emergence of additional global COVID-19 hotspots, the Department will continue to limit non-essential travel at our land ports of entry with Canada and Mexico," said Acting Secretary Chad Wolf in a statement released Tuesday morning.

We spoke to a taxi driver in downtown Calexico. Business has been slow; but he agrees with DHS and says it’s for the best, adding the death toll in Mexicali is alarming. 

Experts are now saying Mexicali is the epicenter of Baja California's coronavirus pandemic. 

For store owners like David Dahdoul he hopes restrictions get lifted regardless. He says 80% of his customers come from Mexico. 

“Most of them are wearing masks anyways. In Los Angeles they opened everything. I was there yesterday. They opened gyms and restaurants,” said Dahdoul.

Dahdoul’s business like many others in the county have taken a big hit. He never imagined the pandemic would be so deadly. 

He says if the restrictions continue to be extended he may be forced to close down his store. 

Restrictions have been pushed back to July 21st whether or not that date gets pushed back a fourth time is still unclear.