Santa Teresa, New Mexico Port of Entry

This was my second visit to the Santa Teresa, NM Port of entry (the newest one on the border).  I had this opportunity to tour the facility because of the Leadership New Mexico program. 

The facility is essentially in the middle of nowhere, but the amount of traffic is astounding.  From what we learned on this tour, most of what goes through the port is cargo.  The traffic of people is from the maquiladoras directly across the border.  A maquiladora, or maquila, is a company that allows factories to be largely duty-free and tariff-free. These factories take raw materials and assemble, manufacture, or process them and export the finished product.

Our tour guide (I wish I remember her name) was one of the commanders there.  She was wonderful and made it fun.  She is also in the guard, so serves our country in so many ways. 

The border looked pretty busy considering its location.  It appeared to get into Mexico went fairly quickly, but returning to the United States seemed to take longer because of the thoroughness of the Border Patrol.  These ladies and gents, as well as the Custom’s Agents really work hard to protect Americans.  I, for one, appreciate their service.

You can learn a lot more about this facility on this site.