Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced the beginning of construction on a new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry to coincide with efforts to bolster security.
While he emphasized the economic benefits of the new entry in his visit to Otay Mesa, he also focused on planned border crackdowns involving CalGuard, which includes the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard and the California State Military Reserve.
With President-elect Donald Trump’s focus on mass deportations and potential tariffs on Mexican products, Newsom chose to offer a vision of the state’s vitality – and how Mexico contributes to it – saying, “it’s not just about border security, it’s about economic development.”
“California is proving that we can build strong international partnerships with Mexico – our top trading partner – to grow our economy and create jobs while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.
According to the governor, CalGuard will play a bigger role in border security, specifically targeting what he called “the cash and weapons that fuel cartel violence,” along with ongoing efforts to halt the fentanyl trade.
In June, Newsom more than doubled the number of service members in CalGuard’s Counter Drug Task Force working on intercepting fentanyl and other drugs. In 2023, the California National Guard seized 62,224 pounds of illegal fentanyl statewide, including at ports of entry.
According to Newsom, CalGuard will increase its support of federal agencies by adding criminal analysts with a specific focus on targeting the flow of firearms and money from the U.S. into Mexico and beyond.
While CalGuard will assist in stopping illegal contraband from crossing the border, Newsom expects the new entry point to speed up a lengthy crossing process.
“This new port-of-entry will strengthen California’s world-leading economy, create jobs and support regional communities through trade,” he said.
Trade between California and Mexico through land ports of entry was valued at more than $88 billion last year, according to a statement from Newsom’s office. However, the impact of delays was also significant, costing an estimated $3.4 billion in economic output and 88,000 jobs.
This new crossing has the potential to cut wait times in half at all nearby entry points, Newsom said, by its completion, currently expected at the end of 2027.
“It is vital that we support critical projects such as the Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry and we look forward to continued partnership with Governor Newsom and his team to advance economic prosperity and create jobs in our region,” said Jerry Sanders, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The new port of entry at Otay Mesa is part of Newsom’s “build more, faster” agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state. California has invested $480 million to prepare for its completion; an additional $140 million came from a Trade Corridor Enhancement Program grant.
