Border Patrol Regulations and Security Tightened

I spend about two months a year traveling to Mexico on business. Previously it had been a very easy going process, but as of January 31, 2008 things have changed. On February 2, 2008 I was on my way back in to the States from Mexico by way of foot as I normally do when I found there had been new security measures instated at the United States and Mexico border. I went to the check point as normal, but instead of passing right through I found there was a line spanning down the sidewalk for at least a city block.

If you have ever traveled to Mexico you know this is not the norm at the border patrol checkpoints. Use to be you would walk in a single file line past one or two officers who would ask, "Are you an American citizen?" once answering yes they would wave you through without question. I guess being able to say the word "yes" is not as impressive as it once was. As of January 31, 2008 border patrol requires all those over the age of 19 wishing to enter the United States provide a government issued photo ID such as a Drivers License, Passport, State Identification Card, etc... I always carry some form of identification with me, so I was unworried about the new regulations, but there were apparently many who did not come as prepared as myself.

I sat and waited in the hot sun for an hour with groups of kids coming to ask if I would buy some Chiclets before finally making it in to the air conditioned building.... I know what you're going to say it is February, how could it be hot? Well I have your answer, I was in Mexico, it is always hot in Mexico. Once in the building and cooling off things began to pick up some but again was running much slower than I am use to when crossing on foot at the Mexican border.

When I finally made it to the front of the line there were two smug looking border patrolmen waiting to greet me. Both officers reminded me of the movie Super Troopers with their thick mistakes. One of the patrolmen asked for a photo ID as the other began asking me a slew of questions including, but not limited to: "How long I was in Mexico, what was my reason for being in Mexico, and Am I planning on returning to Mexico in the near future?"