US Border Intelligence Briefing - May 18, 2026
Generated 6:01 AM PDT
Executive Summary
Significant increases in passenger wait times are reported across several key border crossings, most notably at Nogales and Brownsville. Operational monitoring is required for the San Diego area due to an active airport closure and weather alerts.
Top Delays
- Nogales (Deconcini): 180 minutes (passenger_standard)
- San Ysidro: 150 minutes (passenger_ready)
- San Ysidro: 135 minutes (passenger_standard)
- Otay Mesa: 100 minutes (passenger_ready/standard)
- Brownsville (BM/Gateway): 90 minutes (passenger_ready/standard)
Notable Changes
- Nogales (Deconcini): Passenger standard wait times increased by 165 minutes (from 15 to 180 minutes).
- Brownsville (Gateway): Passenger ready/standard wait times increased by 80 minutes (from 10 to 90 minutes).
- Brownsville (BM): Passenger ready/standard wait times increased by 75 minutes (from 15 to 90 minutes).
- San Ysidro: Passenger ready wait times increased by 75 minutes (from 75 to 150 minutes); pedestrian standard wait times increased by 70 minutes (from 5 to 75 minutes).
- Otay Mesa: Pedestrian standard wait times increased by 45 minutes (from 5 to 50 minutes).
Trade Policy Context
- CBP Guidance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a new fee for fingerprints collected from applicants seeking unescorted access to CBP security areas at airfields.
- Antidumping/Countervailing Duties: Recent notices include investigations and reviews regarding Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin (Oman), Corrosion-Resistant Steel (Taiwan), Silicomanganese (India), and Non-Oriented Electrical Steel (various origins).
Aviation & Airport Status
- SAN (San Diego Intl): Closure reported for non-scheduled transient general aviation aircraft (per FAA notice).
Weather Impact
- Red Flag Warning: Active for El Paso, TX / Santa Teresa, NM until 8:00 PM MDT on May