Newsom expresses support for new third port of entry between California, Mexico
During a speech at the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday in support of a new port of entry, California Governor Gavin Newsom went off on a tangent about President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs with Mexico, denouncing them as a “betrayal.”
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Governor Newsom arrived at the site of the Otay Mesa East port of entry on Thursday, praising the new crossing as vital for reducing the delay times for cargo coming across as well as being important in fighting against drug trafficking. According to the press release from the Governor’s office, Newsom went to “support growing international trade, which keeps costs down for families and reduces wait times for businesses and workers.”
As trade between California and Mexico through land ports of entry was valued at more than $88 billion last year, Newsom said it was vital to clear up delays. He specifically noted that at other California-Baja ports of entry, delays amounted to a loss of $3.4 billion in economic output and 88,000 jobs.
Otay Mesa East would help alleviate these delays, as well as push back against drug trafficking. In addition to his support of the new crossing, Newsom also announced a new initiative by the California National Guard (CalGuard) to enhance border security and go against cartel drug and weapon smuggling operations.
“This new port-of-entry will strengthen California’s world-leading economy, create jobs, and support regional communities through trade. At the same time, we’re further stepping up border security with a new CalGuard initiative targeting the cash and weapons that fuel cartel violence, complementing our successful efforts to block fentanyl from entering our state. 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,” said Newsom on Thursday.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas added that ” The new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry is an example of the strong partnership between the Biden-Harris Administration, the Government of Mexico, and the State of California to enhance our international trade and economic vitality, while ensuring our border security.”
Officials added that Otay Mesa East, long behind schedule, is now expected to be open by 2027 and will be the third major port of entry in San Diego County. Supported by the Biden administration, the incoming Trump administration has also shown support for the new crossing.
Despite this, Newsom went off on a tangent during his speech at the border against Trump. Specifically, he targeted Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs against Mexico and Canada.
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