Locals react to long wait times at U.S. Port of Entry to Los Algodones
If you're crossing into Los Algadones by vehicle, everything remains the same. If you're crossing on foot, you will now need a permit.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A few things you should know if you're planning to cross the border into Mexico.
We shared the reasons for long wait times to enter Thursday that has caused quite a stir among locals.
Many viewers have reached out to us regarding the long wait times and new processing enforcements at the U.S. Port of Entry in Andrade, California.
Locals said they've had to wait anywhere between two to three hours.
Mrs. Jones, a Yuma local says, "We had to stand in line for 3 hours and senior citizens can't do that. Then we had to go through and show our passports twice and we've only had to do that on the way out."
The reason behind the delays, locals were having their passports checked and filling out immigration forms as they walked across, many of them on their way to see the dentist.
Mrs. Jones says, "It's sad. It was sad [Thursday.] It's very hard to wait in line that long with no bathrooms."
After long wait times on Thursday raised some eyebrows, things have seemingly returned back to normal.
Allen Warner, also a Yuma local, adds, "There was no one backed up. It was an easy entrance [Friday.]"
Delays could pop up at anytime which could affect tourists and local merchants.
"It will definitely hurt their business. These people need the Snowbirds and the people of Arizona to come and see them. I think they'll do better," shares Warner.
As we wait to hear back from Mexican officials, a dentist in Los Algodones, who's from Yuma, shares what's likely to have caused the sudden change.
Dr. Laiza Smith explains, "Thanks to President Trump's tariffs going into place against Mexico, and it was just for the tourist walking in. The [same] thing that they do to Mexican citizens in the United States."
She says she's glad things quickly returned back to normal.
"Algodones is all about its tourists and February and March is the busiest time of the year, President Trump did postpone his tariffs from Mexico for another month. They put a pin in it," adds Dr. Smith.
In case the processing rules make a comeback and long wait times return, Dr. Smith advises locals to stay hydrated, use the restroom before hand, and have your documents ready to go.
