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In our border town of Nogales, Arizona, where the flow of people and traffic is constantly present, local businesses often find themselves at the crossroads of change and challenges. Recently, our community has been grappling with an increased influx of migrants released onto the streets, a situation exacerbated by shifts in government policies.&nbsp;Border Patrol vans regularly arrive on Terrace Avenue, releasing over 200 migrants daily. The recent changes in government policy have sparked concerns among local businesses. The decision to redirect Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers from legal crossing points to assist Border Patrol Agents in processing migrants has had unintended economic consequences.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-0ahm5asor4lno4wmrm"><img id="0ahm5asor4lno4wmrm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32xLu9cVtHtjJKnTbXxVmiDwJbRr8e18Y6ssmCTOFFIUDmuldU9alh79TLLaL2lj.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Refugees boarding county buses on Terrace" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32xLu9cVtHtjJKnTbXxVmiDwJbRr8e18Y6ssmCTOFFIUDmuldU9alh79TLLaL2lj.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Migrants boarding Santa Cruz County buses on Terrace Ave.</figcaption></figure>While we appreciate the humanitarian efforts to assist migrants, the reality is quite different for businesses like ours on Terrace Avenue. The increased influx of migrants has led to undesirable consequences that directly impact our gas station and parking lot businesses. These issues, including trespassing, littering, obstruction of exits, and more, have created an environment detrimental to the image of our business block.<figure id="figure-1b9tclq6llno4yyfd"><iframe id="1b9tclq6llno4yyfd" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fL0jvz0dYms" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/fL0jvz0dYms" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fL0jvz0dYms" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Migrants wondering around our gas station until Santa Cruz County transportation arrives to take them to Tucson or other destinations.Furthermore, we are still waiting for a government agency to contact us to discuss or address these concerns. They have set up their operation tents in front of our property exit without our authorization, creating additional challenges and frustration.<figure id="figure-lsq9vva9ljlno53zqb"><img id="lsq9vva9ljlno53zqb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28yLcdN5wjHUzCKNWl8JjqpU5vXmLhv9Fx35voU3IQNtYYGLDfxHEXUxBZJY9bp0.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Santa Cruz County emergency response team is blocking the exit of one of our parking lots." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28yLcdN5wjHUzCKNWl8JjqpU5vXmLhv9Fx35voU3IQNtYYGLDfxHEXUxBZJY9bp0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Santa Cruz County emergency response team is blocking the exit of one of our parking lots.</figcaption></figure> <figure id="figure-7vppv5rjxlnt4vyho"><iframe id="7vppv5rjxlnt4vyho" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LDtanszlXiY" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/LDtanszlXiY" data-corners="default"></iframe></figure> Our businesses located on Terrace Avenue exemplify Nogales businesses' resilience. We want to convey to our customers and visitors that our gas station and parking lots continue to operate safely despite the increased traffic in the area. Safety is a fundamental principle of our business, and we have consistently emphasized ensuring a secure environment for our patrons and staff.

Migrants on Terrace Ave

Ambos Nogales has recently found itself at the center of an unexpected challenge affecting its residents and visitors. The closure of Morley Crossing and the shortage of U.S. customs personnel has sent ripples throughout the community, leading to wait times significantly longer at both pedestrian and car crossings in the United States.The Morley Crossing ClosureMorley Crossing was closed four days ago, and the impact on the town has been substantial. The closure has resulted in extended waiting times for pedestrians, with lines stretching as long as 1.5 hours to cross the border on foot. This has been inconvenient for daily commuters and has had economic implications for businesses relying on cross-border traffic.<figure id="figure-cjfm6v0qspln3nml3r"><img id="cjfm6v0qspln3nml3r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/211uMfC6SIumxM1voPVf6ARnCLCRtXez791thwvxSYfPdH4yysJzs9Eqm5GsZALh.png" alt="Deconcini pedestrian crossing Nogales" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="medium" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Picture of DeConcini pedestrian traffic by Edgar Morales" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/211uMfC6SIumxM1voPVf6ARnCLCRtXez791thwvxSYfPdH4yysJzs9Eqm5GsZALh.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Picture of DeConcini pedestrian traffic by Edgar Morales</figcaption></figure>Extended Delays for Car CrossingsIt's not just pedestrians who are feeling the pinch. Those using car crossings have been experiencing delays of an alarming magnitude, with some reporting wait times of up to 3 hours to cross into the USA. These prolonged delays have affected everything from tourism to trade.Shortage of US Customs OfficersOne of the underlying causes of these delays is the reported shortage of US Customs Officers at the Nogales border. Many officers have been redirected to support the processing of refugees. Unfortunately, this redirection has strained resources in Nogales, and similar challenges are being faced at other ports, such as Tijuana and El Paso, which are also grappling with the refugee processing situation. As a result, these challenges in Nogales may extend until October.<figure id="figure-r09o7y86dln3oegxt"><img id="r09o7y86dln3oegxt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/190ytKTwBnBZPNrD0X9fx4rO64PDBKn3iMXaM4wxAM5hcgEhttlA6xTggSCPltli.png" alt="POE Mariposa DeConcini Nogales Border Traffic" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Photo by El Imparcial " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/190ytKTwBnBZPNrD0X9fx4rO64PDBKn3iMXaM4wxAM5hcgEhttlA6xTggSCPltli.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Photo by El Imparcial</figcaption></figure>Navigating Longer Wait Times: Tips and AdviceWhile the current situation is undoubtedly challenging, there are several strategies you can employ to navigate the longer wait times more effectively:<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Plan: If you know you'll need to cross the border, plan your trips &nbsp;during non-peak hours whenever possible. Avoid weekends and the early morning and late afternoon rush.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Stay Informed: Keep updated with real-time information about border conditions. This <a data-mce-href="https://www.elimparcial.com/site/garitas/" href="https://www.elimparcial.com/site/garitas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> from the Mexican newspaper "El Imparcial" provides live streaming of border wait times, helping you choose the best time to cross.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Carpool and Caravan: Consider carpooling or caravanning with friends or family if traveling with a group. This can make the wait times more bearable and even enjoyable.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Be Patient and Prepared: Pack snacks, entertainment, and anything you need to stay comfortable during the wait. A little preparation can go a long way in reducing frustration.</li></ol>The closure of Morley Crossing and the resulting extended wait times at the Nogales border are challenging. Still, with careful planning and patience, you can try to minimize the impact on your daily life or travel plans. Stay informed, adapt to changing conditions, and remember that the situation is evolving. As a community, we can support one another by respecting others and work together to navigate these challenging times in Nogales.

Update:Border Traffic

<figure id="figure-4hu26hhklolmzeir90"><img id="4hu26hhklolmzeir90" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22F5dwo92BgPW20GfKUwceD8yYIxR0CHWxQsSttX8384zbwJLSP9iyradP232lMV.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Morley border crossing by CBP" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22F5dwo92BgPW20GfKUwceD8yYIxR0CHWxQsSttX8384zbwJLSP9iyradP232lMV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Morley border crossing by CBP</figcaption></figure>Hey there, Nogales neighbors, customers, and visitors! We've got news to share that affects our everyday lives, especially if you regularly cross the border between Nogales, Arizona, and Mexico. It's all about changes happening at the Morley border crossing, and we want to make sure you're in the know.Starting Monday, September 25, our border-crossing routine has a big switch-up. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO), Area Port of Nogales has announced that they're redirecting all pedestrian traffic from the Morley crossing to the DeConcini crossing.&nbsp;The Government of Mexico is giving the State of Sonora's Customs building at the Morley crossing a well-deserved facelift. This renovation project is all about improving the facilities and infrastructure at Morley, making it even better for all of us who use it.This redirection of pedestrian traffic to DeConcini is temporary and will last until November 25.&nbsp;To help you navigate these changes like a pro, here are some tips:1. **Plan Ahead:** Give yourself plenty of extra time when crossing at DeConcini. It will be busier than usual as the traffic processed by two crossings will now be done by one.&nbsp;2. **Stay Informed:** Check out the Twitter profile of the Tucson Field Office Director, <a data-mce-href="https://x.com/dfotucson?s=21" href="https://x.com/dfotucson?s=21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guadalupe H. Ramirez</a>. That's where you'll find the most current announcements about border crossings in Nogales. Use other local sources like the Facebook group "<a data-mce-href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/646867355492068/?ref=share&amp;mibextid=S66gvF" href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/646867355492068/?ref=share&amp;mibextid=S66gvF" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Como Esta La Linea Fronteriza</a>."&nbsp;<figure id="figure-sqxssn23i7lmzf3upe"><img id="sqxssn23i7lmzf3upe" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33ytfZJj9oegJk1xuglojIbEsHXFxcGi9GURsKWRM77PhKXeUc0i2SpkNNRYFbKi.jpg" alt="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33ytfZJj9oegJk1xuglojIbEsHXFxcGi9GURsKWRM77PhKXeUc0i2SpkNNRYFbKi.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>3. **Crossing Documents:** Make sure your border-crossing documents are up to date and ready to go for the DeConcini crossing.We can work towards a smoother process by proactively planning for this transition.

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Migrants on Terrace Ave

Update:Border Traffic

Important Update: Morley Border Crossing Closure