The Lukeville Port of Entry has been indefinitely closed since Dec. 4.
Staff Reports
SAFFORD – Graham County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vance Bryce has joined at least nine other chambers of commerce leaders from Southern Arizona in calling for the reopening of Arizona’s Lukeville Port of Entry.
The port has been closed since Dec. 4, forcing Arizona residents who want to visit the tourist town of Rocky Point (Puerto Penãsco) to cross at Nogales, adding hours to the trip.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the port was closed after agents apprehended roughly 17,500 migrants attempting to cross the border. The Border Patrol advised the port was closed so its agents could process those already apprehended but did not give a timetable for reopening.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently announced the creation of a Border Security Office and urged President Joe Biden to use National Guard members to help reopen the port.
On Tuesday, Bryce announced that the Graham County Chamber of Commerce has signed a letter with nine other chambers of commerce regarding the closure sent to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“The closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry is a critical disruption to Arizona’s economy and community well-being,” the Graham County Chamber’s statement reads. “Our letter to the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes the urgent need to reopen this vital gateway, which is crucial for sustaining local businesses and ensuring the economic stability of our state, particularly during this peak period of cross-border trade and travel. With the rest of our colleagues in the Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona, we are calling for immediate action to alleviate the significant economic and social impacts this closure is causing.”
The full letter is as follows:
Dear Secretary Mayorkas:
As representatives of pro-business organizations across Arizona, the ten Chambers of Commerce that make up the Chamber Alliance of Southern Arizona (CASA) request that the Department of Homeland Security provide a timeline for reopening Arizona’s Lukeville Port of Entry (POE).
The decision to close the Lukeville port is not only a significant inconvenience but also a threat to the economic well-being of Arizona during the peak season for cross-border trade and travel. It has already prompted severe concerns within our local business community.
The closure of this bustling Arizona port of entry is anticipated to have far-reaching repercussions, impacting local businesses and the broader state economy that heavily relies on visitor spending, especially during one of the busiest months for cross-border travel.
This decision may lead to job losses, business closures, and devastating impacts on local communities, with an economic toll extending into the billions. In 2022, according to the Arizona-Mexico Economic Indicators from the University of Arizona, the value of U.S. exports through Arizona border ports of entry was $963 million in December, up 5.8% over the year.
Moreover, it adds strain to already overloaded ports in Nogales and San Luis, presenting safety concerns for travelers heading to and from Rocky Point. The federal government’s actions are also impeding the ability of hardworking Arizonans to access their properties just south of the border, an issue that we find deeply troubling.
We respectfully request that action be taken to address this ongoing issue impacting businesses, families, and Arizonans while sharing more information on reopening the Lukeville POE during this economically vital period of cross-border travel and commerce.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important issue. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Vance Bryce, Executive Director
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Randy Graf, President & CEO
Green Valley/Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Brad Anderson, President/CEO
Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Wiggins, President & CEO
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Ainza-Kramer, President & CEO
Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Kristen Sharp, President & CEO
Oro Valley Chamber
Melanie Edwards-Barton, CEO
Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
Rob Elias, President & CEO
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Rebecca Wicker, Executive Director
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Michael S. Guymon, President & CEO
Tucson Metro Chamber
